Relationship W/Jesus…Any Roosters Crowing?

Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times,” And he went outside and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:74b, 75 NIV)

Intensity Level

Motivating Monday! Days leading up to resurrection Sunday took ups and downs for Jesus and His disciples. When Peter professed his devout alliance with Jesus, little did he know how fast he would turn on Jesus. Peter retreated back to BC- Before Christ in his life. When Jesus prepared the disciples for His departure, they really had no idea the intensity level forthcoming. Disciples may not have understood, Jesus did and called Peter out. Peter would disown Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.

Relationship

Jesus knows his sheep, and His sheep know Jesus’ voice; defining a real relationship Jesus has with honest, Bible-Believing individuals. A relationship exemplified with each of His disciples. They were all different and came from various backgrounds. We can be from different countries, different states, different communities and different denominations- when we claim to believe in Jesus, we are stating we believe He is the son of God, died and rose on the third day, now seated on the right hand of God, The Father, interceding. He is the Savior of the world.

International Unity

There is not a different judgment for different beliefs- We all will be held accountable to God’s Holy Word, The Bible. This does not read different for one group or another. Again, this is why I love Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)- an international Bible study. Ladies and men all over the world uniting with same study questions, using only the Bible…standing in agreement with God’s Word and each other…Brothers and Sisters in Christ from multiple denominations. The first year I was in BSF, I met two ladies from the Catholic Church. One became a friend, suggesting we consider catholic school for our children, we could not be happier. One of the greatest life lessons I’ve learned- it is not about the denomination- it’s about one’s heart and commitment to God’s infallible Word.

Freedom

Therefore, we all find times we’re like Peter…falling back to BC behaviors. Failure is paralyzing. Peter knew immediately…as do we when we sin and fall short of God’s glory. With this sudden recognition of Jesus’ prediction resonating when the rooster crowed, he went outside and wept bitterly. We have to recognize when our actions do not align with God’s Word. When The Holy Spirit convicts, acknolwedge His prompting and repent- just like Peter. With Peter’s repentance, He was motivated to keep seeking Jesus- as the disciples regrouped in the upper room. Repentance removes the enemy’s attack on emotions, freeing our walk, deepening our relationship with Jesus.

Be encouraged!