TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” Mark 14:30-31a
Read: Mark 14:27-31
Listen: Mark 14
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Before his arrest, Jesus tells his disciples they will all fall away. Jesus says Peter will deny him “three times before the rooster crows twice.” Peter insists he will not fall and will be loyal until death. Peter is overconfident and doesn’t recognize his vulnerability when he follows Jesus to the high priest’s house. Keeping his distance in the courtyard, Peter never expected to witness the false accusations and physical cruelty poured on Jesus. When accused of being with Jesus, Peter’s confidence gives way to fear and he stumbles badly. He lies about who he is and denies Jesus three times.
Like Peter, we are not immune. We too find ourselves being overconfident in vulnerable areas. Pastor Jeff Manion teaches, “one of the most precarious conditions is to assume we aren’t in a precarious condition.” We could be feeding envy and self-pity by spending a lot of time on social media. We could be flirting with adultery by initiating time with a co-worker who makes us feel less alone. Drinking might become a crutch when the only way to relax is with our daily glasses of wine. 1 Corinthians 10:12 warns, “If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Admit you are vulnerable and not immune to stumbling badly. Ask God, “Deliver me from the darkness and keep me from falling. Please help me have an attitude of humility toward my tendency to stray from what is right. Show me where I could be in trouble and help me make good decisions.”
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap in the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
ROMANS 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
