Word@Work 173 - Mark 14:29-31
Published: Thu, 07/24/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 14:29-31 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not." "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today - yes, tonight - before the cock 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." And all the others said the same. (NIV)
Denying the Word of God is the essence of sin. Here, Peter spectacularly proves the point. Not only does he contradict Jesus, he also boasts of his own ability to stay true. Jesus rebukes him by accurately predicting the exact timing of his failure the next morning. But, as if to show us how self-centred and blind the sinful nature is, Mark then records Peter's emphatic denial of the rebuke he had received. It must have been quite a moment for Mark to hear (who got his information from Peter in his later years), when the head-bowed bishop of the early church confessed his crass arrogance just hours before his catastrophic spiritual breakdown.
There are few more 'celebrated' Christian failures. But, in fairness to Peter he was not alone, as all the others agreed with him. Alas, the self-propelled agenda of the proud heart, that believes it can achieve anything it chooses, is all too much in evidence today. The professions of loyalty that melt into indifference, and the bold hand of faith that eventually shrinks for the task - these are also still seen as wrecks along the Christian road. The fact remains, that apart from the grace and power of God we can do nothing (cf John 15:5).
Strangely, our best intentions may produce our worst moments - if we are not in line with the will of God, and empowered by his Holy Spirit. It remains a grotesque arrogance to pretend that there is no remnant of our sinful nature, or that somehow we can do the work of God without His mandate or strength. Yet swarms of well meaning Christian groups and churches are better equipped with information technology than prayer; and fleshly passion than holy submission. Peter's mistake can be ours, and very easily too! So perhaps this passage should be a reality check.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for all the blessings I have received and gifts to enable me to serve You. Forgive me when I either believe that I am useless, or that Your Kingdom somehow depends on my bright ideas and energy. Help me to daily subdue the old nature and let the life of Christ grow in me. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Denying the Word of God is the essence of sin. Here, Peter spectacularly proves the point. Not only does he contradict Jesus, he also boasts of his own ability to stay true. Jesus rebukes him by accurately predicting the exact timing of his failure the next morning. But, as if to show us how self-centred and blind the sinful nature is, Mark then records Peter's emphatic denial of the rebuke he had received. It must have been quite a moment for Mark to hear (who got his information from Peter in his later years), when the head-bowed bishop of the early church confessed his crass arrogance just hours before his catastrophic spiritual breakdown.
There are few more 'celebrated' Christian failures. But, in fairness to Peter he was not alone, as all the others agreed with him. Alas, the self-propelled agenda of the proud heart, that believes it can achieve anything it chooses, is all too much in evidence today. The professions of loyalty that melt into indifference, and the bold hand of faith that eventually shrinks for the task - these are also still seen as wrecks along the Christian road. The fact remains, that apart from the grace and power of God we can do nothing (cf John 15:5).
Strangely, our best intentions may produce our worst moments - if we are not in line with the will of God, and empowered by his Holy Spirit. It remains a grotesque arrogance to pretend that there is no remnant of our sinful nature, or that somehow we can do the work of God without His mandate or strength. Yet swarms of well meaning Christian groups and churches are better equipped with information technology than prayer; and fleshly passion than holy submission. Peter's mistake can be ours, and very easily too! So perhaps this passage should be a reality check.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for all the blessings I have received and gifts to enable me to serve You. Forgive me when I either believe that I am useless, or that Your Kingdom somehow depends on my bright ideas and energy. Help me to daily subdue the old nature and let the life of Christ grow in me. For His Name's sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Why not share Word@Work with your friends - they can subscribe at http://www.beaconlight.co.uk/email!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
If you value your free Word@Work - an occasional donation will help us to maintain and develop the ministry - thank you!
W@W173 | Word@Work 2008 © Dr Paul Adams | Provided by BeaconLight
Contact us at wordatwork@beaconlight.co.uk
Your next Word@Work will be sent on