March 26, 2021
Do you need hope? Who do you serve? Who can you depend on?
Do they tell you THE TRUTH, even if it hurts?
Luke 22:31-33 NKJ “And THE LORD said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to ME, strengthen your brethren.” But he said to HIM, LORD, I am ready to go with YOU, both to prison And to death. Then HE said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day before you will deny three times that you know ME.”
(Peter ends up denying JESUS 3 times and even curses saying he doesn’t know the MAN and then Is reminded of JESUS’ words and weeps bitterly.)
I Love this passage of Scripture, because it is real.
Observations:
- JESUS tells it like it is, not what we may want to hear.
- JESUS is willing to correct or rebuke us, even HIS friends and ministry partners, when we need it.
- Sometimes we must go through some things in life to come to our senses and realize THE LORD is right.
- JESUS prays for HIS people!
- JESUS sees the end from the beginning.
- JESUS sees past our sin and rebellion and, as with Peter, HE offers HOPE…Another opportunity to Return to HIM and fulfill our purpose.
- JESUS is Patient (suffers long) and is Kind. Have you ever argued your point with GOD (like Peter)? Seriously, who is right? Who knows better?
Let’s Pray: “LORD, thank YOU for seeing past my sin and instead of blaming me, YOU offer me HOPE instead. Please correct me where I need it.
Please pray for me! Be My LORD and make me a real friend to YOU and others, one who offers hope and Truth. In JESUS’ Name. Amen (So be it!).”
Written by Pastor Gary Hellender
