Christian Reflection and Prayer

By Rev. Wayne Palmer

Lenten Devotion

Jesus said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day,
until you deny three times that you know Me" (Luke 22:34).

Read Luke 22:33-34.

Jesus' warning should humble Peter, but the proud disciple will
hear none of it. With characteristic boldness and overbearing
self-reliance he protests his loyalty to his Lord, and promises to
stay by His side-even if it costs his freedom and his life. He
doesn't say, "With God's help," or "With Your help." He is
confident he can stand on the ardor of his own adoration and
commitment to Jesus.

But Jesus knows precisely what Peter will do in a few short hours.
That's when this quiet upper room will be exchanged for a
threatening courtyard filled with menacing soldiers. The Lord
gives a simple, assured answer. Echoing Peter's misplaced
self-confidence, Jesus shifts from "Simon" to "Peter"-the rock. His
words are poignant: the rooster will not crow to mark the coming
of the sunrise before the rock has crumbled and denied knowing
Jesus three times.

From that next morning on, Peter would never hear a rooster
again without being reminded of that dreadful, shameful sunrise.
But at the same time, the sound of that crowing will be a daily
reminder of Jesus' gracious salvation. It was that fateful hour when
the rooster's crow recalled Jesus' words to Peter, and that brief
glance from Jesus' eyes called Peter back, rescuing him from
Satan's grasp, and springing forth the tears of godly repentance
that poured from his eyes and led to his restoration.

We all stumble and fall, disowning our Savior in our silence and in
our disobedience. Yet Jesus prays for us, strengthens us, and
restores us by His constant grace.

THE PRAYER:

Lord Jesus, in Your still small voice, humble my pride and foolish
self-confidence. Guard and protect me as I flee to You, the Rock
of my salvation. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)