ESOCS Devotional 4 May 2022
TEXT: MARK 14:66-72
MEMORY VERSE: “But he began to curse and to swear, saying, I know not this man of whom ye speak.” Mark 14:7 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
Most frequently, believers deny the Lord in their speech, deeds or action. Somehow, this happens unintentionally. Atother times, deliberately. But whether or not the act is intentional, it is traceable to some unbearable pressures of life.Some strong believers have been known to deny their faith in the face of intense persecution, threat to life, severe economic challenges; some other sundry social conditions, bothering on survival in life.
In our text, when Peter was confronted with the harsh realities of saving or losing his life for following Jesus, hepreferred to “save” his life. In Luke 22:5, when Judas was caught between two opinions, he chose petty economic gains, as against his loyalty to his faith in Christ.
However, note the glaring difference between the conduct of these two apostles. On realizing his folly for denying Jesus, Peter wept, and repented. Peter’s reaction led him to return to faithfulness with stronger conviction. Halleluyah! When Judas realized himself, he regretted his action, and resolved to return the ill-gotten money. However, and out of shame, he later hanged himself. In other words, Judas’ reaction led him to further self-blame, and subsequently, to his own suicide. This is disastrous.
Child of God, how often, where and how have you denied the Lord Jesus? Do not despair. Our Father’s love is everfaithful, unfailing, ever sure. One of the most astonishing examples of His unfailing love in the Bible is presented in theBook of Hosea. What could be more disheartening than to live with an unfaithful wife? Yet God expected Hosea to keependuring (See also: John 3:16, Psalms 36:5; 13:5; 31:16; 107:1). Hosea’s expected, relentless love and faithfulness to hiswife are a stunning picture of God’s unfailing love for His people – of which you are one.
However, do repent, and touch no more the unclean thing (2 Cor. 6:17). Deny Him no more, no matter the circumstances. He will never abandon you.
- Peter denied Jesus, but repented. Judas betrayed his Master and would not forgive himself. Discuss.
- Lord Jesus, forgive me for denying you daily, even for minor reasons. Have mercy and restore me.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Samuel 24:1-14; Jeremiah 39:1-18; James 4: 13-15:3
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ESOCS Devotional 4 May 2022
