October 16, 2018

October 16, 2018

Judy Hollaway

July 10

Running with Jesus

Luke 22:55-57;62 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them. But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not. And many other things blasphemously spake they against him.

 (“The guards lit a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat around it, and Peter joined them there.  A servant girl noticed him in the firelight and began staring at him. Finally she said, “This man was one of Jesus’ followers!”  But Peter denied it. “Woman,” he said, “I don’t even know him!”   And Peter left the courtyard, weeping bitterly.”)

     Just a few short hours past after Peter cut off the ear of the servant we see a different Peter.  Peter had been told by Jesus that Satan wanted to sift him and also told him before the cock crowed he would deny him three times. Sure enough the devil showed up.

     Peter was a bold and a loud mouth disciple.  He lacked maturity and growth but the sifting would change Peter’s life forever. He was always the first one speaking up and almost boasting about what he would do.  I will give my life, but...  “But” that little word, Peter fearful of his life denied knowing Christ.

     Pride goes before destruction God’s Word tells us. He was a halfhearted follower but would soon become one of the pillars of our faith.  He would be restored and preach one of the most authoritative sermons after the resurrection recorded in Acts.

     We do not like sifting because it usually leads to brokenness.  We are not usually usable until we have been broken.  Much like a wild stallion so full of strength and energy is not usable until he has been broken and all that strength and power is under control of the master.

     Are you in a time of brokenness?  Just hold on God is going to use this in your life for our good and for His glory. Submit yourself to the Master’s authority and humble yourself before God and He will lift you up in His time.

Lord, I pray for all the broken hearted today.  Give them the grace to hold on and let them know You are working out a greater plan than they can imagine.  Help them know You show up through all the cracks much like a glass candle holder and become a light shining for others to see You. Without the broken cracks the light can’t get out.

Tomorrow: “I AM” is being interrogated.