The Valley
Day 35 - Mark 14:72
The Scripture
Mark 14:72 NIV
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.
The Reflection
Peter was a disciple. He witnessed Jesus performing many miracles. He believed in Him wholeheartedly, called Him Lord, and never imagined that he would deny Him. Before he knew it, he had fallen into the trap that the enemy had set for him. This denial wasn’t a well-thought-out plan to harm Jesus. It was a response to fear.
My heart goes out to Peter because he was so ashamed.
In Luke 22, as Peter was denying Jesus the third time, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. Jesus turned and made eye contact with him, and in that moment, he realized what he had done.
He was devastated, but he didn’t allow the shame of what he had done to drive him into isolation. Instead, Peter went on to reunite with the other disciples to comfort each other and be in fellowship after Jesus was crucified.
I think the most beautiful part of this story is that Jesus appeared to Peter sometime after His resurrection and gave him the opportunity to affirm his love for Him three times.
So, regardless of the mistakes you’ve made … don’t ever let the enemy convince you to hide in shame because of your past. It’s never too late to repent and ask for forgiveness.
Look at Paul, he persecuted Christians before he gave his life to Jesus, and he ended up giving his life to spread the gospel and plant as many churches as he could. God will use your mistakes to further His Kingdom. Don’t hide in shame. Repent and turn your face to the God who loves you and has already made the ultimate sacrifice for your sins.
The Prayer
Father, thank You for Your unfailing grace. Thank You for sacrificing Your only son so we can be forgiven and accepted into the Kingdom of Heaven. So we can accept the gift of eternal life. Please forgive me when I let fear dictate my actions. Fill me with strength and courage to overcome any challenges that come my way. Please remove any shame that keeps me from living in fellowship and surround me with people who are on fire for Jesus. I pray that you bind up the spirit of fear and shame and cast it out. I ask these things in Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions:
Reflect on some of the mistakes you have made that left you feeling ashamed.
In what ways has the Lord presented opportunities for redemption?
How has God used those mistakes to further His Kingdom?
Thank You!
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New International Version (NIV)
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