February 2, 2016

He Knows You

Our God is personal, and he knows you. What a great and glorious piece of knowledge to build our faith upon. He knows more about ourselves than we do. Peter proudly tells Jesus, “I’m ready to die for you.”

Jesus’ response, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.” Peter must have been stunned by this bold announcement. He is a sailor and fisherman by trade, a tough guy who never shrinks from a fight. He is stout and strong and can pull in a net of one hundred fifty large fish by himself.

Although he is politely silent and does not call Jesus a liar, Peter does not believe he will deny his Lord. He is probably thinking, “Just wait and see. I will show you just how courageous I really am when things get tough.” Then comes the real test, this big tough man caves into a servant girl. Then the rooster crows, and Jesus looks at Peter across the courtyard; those eyes slice to the bone.

Peter flees the scene weeping bitterly as he runs, now a broken man. Jesus knew ahead of time. He knows me better than me, and he knows you better than you.

Prayer: Lord you know us better than we know ourselves. Show me those things I overlook in myself because of my pride.  Teach me to be faithful and never to deny you.

To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world. —Karl Barth

John 13:38 NLT

Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me.

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