Mark 14.27-31
[27] ‘You will all fall away,’ Jesus told them, ‘for it is written: ‘“I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.” [28] But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.’
[29] Peter declared, ‘Even if all fall away, I will not.’
[30] ‘Truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘today – yes, tonight – before the cock crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.’ [31] But Peter insisted emphatically, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’
Peter was always the first to open his mouth and put his foot in it. He did this on the mount of transfiguration (Mark 9.5-6), he did it on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14.28-31); now he opens his mouth and says he will never deny Jesus. He failed of course, because he was being confident in his own ability to be strong. After the resurrection, and especially on the Day of Pentecost, Peter’s readiness to open his mouth became a great asset in declaring the gospel of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ. This got the church established with lots of new converts; the difference is that Peter was now relying on God’s strength and not his own. God will use my natural character to his glory, if only I place myself in his hands, and admit that I cannot do God’s work without God’s power.
Lord, let me rely on you today, to walk in your strength and to see your hand at work
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