Luke 23 -- Hearing The Cock Crow In OUR Lives

I was particularly drawn to my commentary’s thoughts on Peter’s betrayal by denying Christ three times.  It said, “Jesus, being led away to the next trial, turned and looked at Peter, and His look broke Peter’s heart….Peter slipped out and went off and wept bitterly.  It is to Peter’s credit that all the Lord had to do was look at him to bring him to the place of repentance.”

 

We all think about Peter hearing the cock crow twice and realizing Jesus had predicted his betrayal.  My commentary said, “It was also a special message to Peter, a message that helped to restore him to fellowship again … First, it was an assurance to him that Jesus Christ was still in control of things even though He was a prisoner, bound and seemingly helpless before His captors … Second, the crowing of the cock assured Peter that he could be forgiven … he remembered the word of the Lord … because with the word of warning was also a promise of restoration … Finally, the miracle of the cock to Peter that a new day was dawning … a new day for Peter as he repented and wept bitterly.  “A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” … Each one of us, at one time or another, will fail the Lord and then hear (in one way or another) “the crowing of the cock.”  Satan will tell us that we are finished, that our future has been destroyed, but that is not GOD’s message for us!”

 

Amen, Father!  Thank You for Your grace and Your willingness to restore us when we fail You.  Without it, we would have no hope!

 

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford