Throughout the season of Lent our daily devotions have been written by members of the Faith Lutheran community. Our theme this Lent is “Jesus Our Healer.” Today’s devotion comes from Terri Schlather .
When they had sung the hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. And Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.”
Peter said to him, “Even though all become deserters, I will not.” Jesus said to him, “Truly I tell you, this day, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” But he said vehemently, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And all of them said the same. Mark 14:26-31
How many times have I said, “I would never!” in my life? A lot. Peter was certain he would never deny Jesus. He had no idea what was to come that day, but regardless, he was firm in his belief that he would stand by Jesus.
In my twenties I’d have said, “I would never” in response to someone who gave up on their faith, walking away from the church. In the next decade of life, much like Peter, my actions betrayed my earlier conviction.
Everyday something happens that I didn’t expect. The “I would never” gets thrown to the side, much like it did for Peter and the other disciples when things didn’t go the way they expected.
God doesn’t do things on our time, in ways we predict and expect. He acts in ways that often surprise us and confound us. Just like the disciples we can find ourselves acting in a way contrary to our words, forgetting that we need God to get by and that his plan and will should be leading us in our lives.
How do we avoid falling into the “I would never” trap? Rely on God; trust his will and his plan.
Let us pray: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that my will is weak and yours is strong. Guide me when my ego says, “I would never” rather than having empathy for someone’s situation. Help me to remember that only by your Grace do I find salvation and everlasting life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
April 1, 2015 at 9:59 am |
a men
April 2, 2015 at 4:53 am |
“Never make a promise you can’t keep” as the saying goes. Often when we do we have good intentions to keep a promise, we don’t abide by our promise. We fail in our commitments to others, in our marriages, with our children, and with God.
When my daughter was a youngster I learned to never make a for-sure-promise, as she would set up a fuss, saying “but you promised”! This was accompanied by crying and stomping of feet. I soon learned not to disappoint her by not making a promise written in stone. I would engage her by saying “maybe” we would do such and such if all went as expected; often unforeseen circumstances change our agenda.
Peter and the disciples were certain that they would never deny Jesus, but when reality set in they not only deserted Him but denied Him, (Peter three times). It was likely from fear and uncertainty, and a sense of danger for their involvement with Jesus.
But we should not be afraid because we know that by the grace of God we are saved by Christ’s death on the cross.