You stand accused
Then Jesus said to them, ‘This very night all of you will run away and leave me, for the scripture says, “God will kill the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” But after I am raised to life, I will go to Galilee ahead of you.’
Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, ‘I will never leave you, even though all the rest do!’
Jesus said to Peter, ‘I tell you that before the cock crows tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me.’
(verses 31-34)
Read Matthew 26:26-35
There have been a couple of times in my life when friends confronted me with the truth and showed me that things in my life had to change. The first time I just wanted to hide, as through teary eyes I saw my weaknesses and fears spread out before me. But as I accepted and repented of what I’d done, the burden lifted and our friendship grew. The second time I tried to deny I was doing anything wrong, and it could have cost me dearly.
In the next twenty-four hours, Jesus’ closest friends will have to face their weaknesses and fears. Even though they will deny his accusations, soon they will accept the truth, and it will lead them into a greater intimacy with Jesus.
The Holy Spirit is also prompting you to accept your weaknesses and wrongdoings. Not to make you feel bad, but to prepare you for what lies ahead and to allow you to have greater intimacy with God.
Lord, I know that all you do is out of love. Today may I listen and respond to your call to change. Amen.
by Jörg Ernst, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)
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