Welcome to Meandering Monday, where we take a trip back to an earlier post and enjoy it again.
But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. Before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:34 NLT
One
life support company made popular the saying, “Help, I’ve fallen, and I can’t
get up.”
Along
with the saying was the picture of an elderly lady lying alone on the floor for
hours. Thankfully, a neighbor, postman, or family member would eventually find
and help her before it was too late. Then the advertisement for the company’s
product. A good investment for those times when we’re down and can’t get up.
Peter didn’t
have an accident, but he did seem down for the count. At the last supper, he
proudly crowed he’d never desert Jesus. Jesus quickly squelched his confidence
by telling him he would disown him three times before the rooster crowed the
next morning.
Peter
probably doubted Jesus’ words, but he soon discovered what it felt like to be
down and helpless. As predicted, Peter said “I don’t know Him” three times. The
rooster crowed, Jesus glanced Peter’s way, and Peter was crushed.
Sometimes
life’s circumstances appear insurmountable.
I, too,
can find myself down when I deny Christ, whether it is an outright denial with
words—as Peter’s was—or denial through neglect and hypocrisy. Either way, I’ve
placed myself in an untenable position where help is needed. Fear of what
others will say if I voice my Christianity can put me down. And in extreme
cases, fear of death if I acknowledge my association with Christ can paralyze
me.
A
further type of denial that will stymie me happens when I compartmentalize my
life, erecting sections for religion, work, family, and hobbies. Believing what
happens in one area won’t affect the other will lay me down. Peter quickly
discovered his walk with the Lord affected his entire lifestyle.
The
good news is that with Christ we’re never down and unable to get up. We may be
down, but by his power and under the umbrella of his forgiveness, we can rise
to new heights and experience second chances.
If you
feel down and out, let Christ raise you up.
Prayer:
Lord of grace, we give You thanks for the continual restoration You offer.
Tweetable: Are you down and can't see your way up?
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