Famous Last Words: “I’ll Never Do That!” –Matthew 26:31-35

Today’s Scripture Reading: John 13:31-38; Mark 14:27-31; Matthew 26:31-35; Luke 22:31-38; John 14:1-15:17

Between my personality and my upbringing I grew up to be a very judgmental young woman.

Not only did I look upon others with judgment, but I went to the next step and said,

“I’ll never do that, or my kids will never act like that, or no one will ever treat me that way.”

No Way!

Not Me!

Needless to say, I’ve had to eat a lot of those cocky words.

Peter knows just how I feel…

On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,

God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”

Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.  –Matthew 26:31-35

Yep, me and my good friend Peter have a lot in common.

We both

• Love the Lord
• Have great zeal to serve Him with our whole heart
• Think we’re stronger than we really are
• Have to learn everything the hard way–through our mistakes

But

There was good news for Peter

and

There’s good news for me

and

you too, if you are in our club.

Jesus is praying for us!

“Simon (Peter), Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers.”  –Luke 22:31-32

Not only is Jesus praying for us;

He already has a plan to use our mistake(s) to strengthen others, once we repent.

This really gives me hope, because Satan has told me that God really can’t use me as He originally planned because of sinful mistakes I’ve made since God called me to be His disciple.

Friends, just as in Peter’s case God knew about our sinful mistakes before we made them.

Yes, Peter denied Jesus

But…

He also repented

and

God used him to turn the world upside down for the cause of Christ.

And…

God will do the same with You and me, if we repent and use our mistakes for God’s Glory!

Heavenly Father, thank You for not giving up on me.  Thank You for wanting to use me in spite of my sins. Thank You for forgiving me. Help me to strengthen my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Use me for Your Glory!

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

© 2012 Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: John 15:18-17:26