Matthew 26:75

Note: The scripture has a link that will take you to an online, King James bible

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Scripture: Matthew 26:75  And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out and wept bitterly.

 

Observation: Close your eyes for a moment, and imagine the look on Peter's face as he heard that rooster crow... I imagine that everything in his whole world stood still for the moment as the words of the Lord echoed in his mind... and as he realized that everything Jesus had said was coming to pass, not only did he feel that agony for forsaking the Lord, but I would imagine, that at that moment, he also knew that there was no hope of a reprieve in Jesus' sentence. He knew then and there beyond a shadow of  a doubt that his world was turning upside down. Every detail of what Jesus had told them must have been replaying in his mind... But it is in these moments, when our world seems to be spinning out of control, that we can see God's hand working in it the most.

 

Application: I know may seem to be a bit of a stretch for this scripture, and this isn't so much of a bible study as an encouragement, to me... but hopefully to others as well. This scripture is actually one of my favorites, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it in the past. This whole section of scripture appeals to me because of the raw emotion that is evident and the many applications that it has. There is much said here about what we do and how we react, but most importantly, in the later end of the Gospel of Matthew, we see how the Lord reacts... and it is the most beautiful story of love to be found. No matter what we are doing at this moment right now... no matter what we are feeling, thinking, saying or dreaming, God already knows... and He loves us with so great a love, that He laid down His life for us. He will forgive us for all, if we but ask. And for me today, it is wonderful to know that we can trust God's hand in everything that is going on in our lives. Sometimes our trials are great, sometimes they are small... but God is in control and He knows what He is doing. What He says will come to pass, will come... and we can trust Him when it does.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I know that I did not even come close to doing justice as I tried to share the encouragement You gave me this morning... and honestly, that is okay with me. I know it was an encouragement meant for me. But Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to share even so. And Lord, I thank You especially for being in control. When something is a struggle or causes me pain, I am so grateful that I can trust in You to work it all out... and Your way is better than my own. Lord, I can't see to the end of what You are doing right now, but I trust You... and I know that You love me and are doing what I need in my life. Please help this to work Your will and to cause me to serve You better. In Jesus name, Amen.