February 24th Daily Devotion

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW 

PETER DENIED JESUS THREE TIMES      

Matthew 26:69-75 (Read verses 69-74) “. . . those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.” 

Peter was absolutely sure that he would never deny Jesus. At the Passover meal he boldly stated, “I will lay down my life for you.” (John 13:37) It took only a few hours to find Peter cursing and swearing in Caiphas’ courtyard, “I don’t know the man!” 

If you are a confirmed Lutheran, at your confirmation you were asked by your pastor: “Do you intend to live according to the Word of God, and in faith, word, and deed to remain true to God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, even to death?” You answered: “I do, by the grace of God.” (Rite of Confirmation, LSB, page 273) 

How many times have you done what Peter did, namely, denied Jesus as well as your heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit? How many times have you joined the world in the way it lives rather than live in peace and harmony with God’s word? How many times have you through your words or actions denied Jesus is your Lord and Savior?   

Is not today’s devotional Scripture the rooster crowing for you? Does it not jar your conscience to recognize, for whatever reason, your denial of Jesus? When the rooster crowed for the third time, Peter’s conscience destroyed his self-confidence and sinful heart. It caused him to weep!  Later, Jesus personally sought out Peter to restore him to faith and assure him of the forgiveness of his sins. Jesus invites you today as you think of your sin of denial to confess, repent, and receive from Him the forgiveness of this sin along with all the others you have committed.   

Prayer: Lord, grant me a faith that will not shrink, though pressed by many a foe.” Keep me faithful to you for Jesus’ sake. In His name I pray. Amen. 

Oh, for a faith that will not shrink   
Tho’ pressed by many a foe;  
That will not tremble on the brink   
Of poverty or woe;  

That will not murmur nor complain  
Beneath the chast’ning rod,  
But in the hour of grief or pain  
Can lean upon its God; 

A faith that shines more bright and clear  
When tempests rage without;  
That, when in danger, knows no fear,
In darkness feels no doubt; 

That bears unmoved the world’s dread frown  
Nor heeds its scornful smile;  
That sin’s wild ocean cannot drown  
Nor Satan’s arts beguile; 

A faith that keeps the narrow way  
Till life’s last spark is fled  
And with a pure and heavenly ray  
Lights up the dying bed. 

Lord, give us such a faith as this;  
And then, whate’er may come,  
We’ll taste e’en now the hallowed bliss  
Of an eternal home.  

Oh, For a Faith That Will Not Shrink // TLH 396