07
Next Stop Heaven
Tim Savage72Immediately 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. Mark 14
Every time I read about Peter in this situation, I feel sorry for him. He wants to do the right thing, he wants to stand firm for Jesus, but ultimately, when it meant the most and when the stakes were at their highest, his fallen nature got the best of him and he failed.
I read a Facebook post about a western man who was kidnapped by Islam extremists, forced to publicly declare his belief in Islam and then beheaded. True? I don’t know. Scary and thought provoking? You bet. The odds are heavily in my favor that I will never endure such a horrific ordeal, but I can’t help but wonder what I would do. I want to think that I would stand firm in my faith, look death in the face and say, “Next stop, heaven.” That would be my greatest legacy, to die for my Savior, unafraid of the consequences.
I must face the temptation to sin and the persecution that comes against us with the same fortitude. I must have feet of stone, not clay. I must stand firm for my Heavenly Father and not be swayed by the ways of the world. Lord, give me the zeal of Peter, but the strength of Daniel, who even when threatened by the lions’ den, wouldn’t deny You.
I need to treat my sins with less levity and more gravity. I need to practice now for the eventuality that I will be spiritually and maybe even physically challenged and confronted. Our world is changing quickly before our eyes and being a follower of Christ will, more and more, become unpopular.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please forgive me when I have denied You. Create in me a spirit that is indefatigable, so that I may stand firm when called upon to do so.
In Jesus name,
Amen
