Warning Bells
Opening Prayer
Father, may I stand firm in my faith today. Strengthen me according to Your Word.
Read Mark 14:66–72
[66] While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. [67] When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. [68] But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway. [69] When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” [70] Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” [71] He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” [72] Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times.” And he broke down and wept. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Have you ever known you should speak up for the Lord and you chose not to?Jesus had warned Peter, as we have already read, because he knew his weaknesses. BeneathPeter’s pride was his fear of being known as a follower of Jesus, and he is not alone in that fear.Many Christians are tempted to keep quiet about their faith in Jesus among their friends or atwork for fear of mockery or mild persecution. It’s helpful to notice how the attack upon Petergrows—he is accused by the servant girl of being with Jesus; then of being one of his disciples;and then the wider group accuses him of being a follower of Jesus. As the accusations increase,so Peter’s response and reply progresses from denial to cursing. The end result is a deep sense ofshame and unrestrained weeping.The truth is, Peter could have stopped all of this from happening. Step by step he was digging abigger hole for himself to fall into. If only Peter had listened and taken note of Jesus’ warning!But we do the same thing. I suspect there are times we look back to and feel the same deepregret. And such times may yet lie ahead for us.Jesus had warned Peter, as we have already read, because he knew his weaknesses. Beneath Peter’s pride was his fear of being known as a follower of Jesus, and he is not alone in that fear. Many Christians are tempted to keep quiet about their faith in Jesus among their friends or at work for fear of mockery or mild persecution. It’s helpful to notice how the attack upon Peter grows—he is accused by the servant girl of being with Jesus; then of being one of his disciples; and then the wider group accuses him of being a follower of Jesus. As the accusations increase, so Peter’s response and reply progresses from denial to cursing. The end result is a deep sense of shame and unrestrained weeping. The truth is, Peter could have stopped all of this from happening. Step by step he was digging a bigger hole for himself to fall into. If only Peter had listened and taken note of Jesus’ warning! But we do the same thing. I suspect there are times we look back to and feel the same deep regret. And such times may yet lie ahead for us.
Apply
We all have our own weaknesses. Take heed to Peter’s experience and clothe yourself with the armor of God today.
Closing prayer
Lord, at times I’m tempted to keep silent about my faith in You. Help me to seek You; deliver me from all my fears.
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