Daily Reading - 12 Nov 09

Something spoke to me when I read this passage. Something spoke to me about bravery and zealousness. Peter was really a true follower of Christ and though he was brave when confronted with the news that he'd betray Jesus, he fell anyway. Jesus spoke the truth to Peter--He was truth incarnate--and I believe Jesus understood the level of mans resolve more than Peter did. Did he love Jesus? Sure. Do I think he believed that he'd remain true to Jesus? I believe he did. But, when faced with such adversity on behalf of Jesus, Peter crumbled. He crumbled because he was just a man. We are "just men," in that we are human, sinful, flawed. However, as children of God, we have something now that Peter lacked (at the time): the Holy Spirit.

Each time I'm confronted by the reality of my own humanity, when I know that I've sinned, I know it's because I tried to stand brave on my own feet instead of upon strength of the Holy Spirit. It's the Holy Spirit living within us that urges us forward and strengthens us against the Evil One. We may be truly sincere in our position to side with Christ no matter the circumstance, but, it's not our own resolve that fortifies us to that end. Instead, it's the Holy Spirit living in us because we are called children of God.

My prayer:
"Lord, remind me of my own humanity and of the reality of your Spirit living within me. Grant me the wisdom to take strength from the latter and not the former. Thank you for saving a sinner like me. Amen."

Created over 2 years ago