Matthew 26:33 “Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.”
Dear God,
It is centring to know I am loved always, through all situations – not only me, but all mankind. So often we think we know ourselves and our hearts, but often I have faced situations, in my own strength and knowledge, and then have compromised my representation of You. In the past at other times when I (we) have come needing direction, You have directed myself and others with discernment of issues, that stopped us from proceeding unwisely in an association or venture, because in the end to do so, would not have been to Your glory and purposes: praise Your holy name.
I have been thinking upon the disciples of Jesus, who each believed they loved Jesus absolutely and would always be true to Him, and yet they failed Jesus, because of the possible danger to themselves, by association. It appears they did not know the true condition of their hearts. They also did not see the spiritual danger they were in, because the physical risks loomed large. It seems they had not taken the time to prepare their hearts through soul searching and prayer. Even though Jesus had said, “all of you will be made to stumble because of Me tonight.”
Jesus the Son of God knew that He must seek His Father in prayer and be fortified by the Holy Spirit each day to withstand the relentless onslaught upon him, in various guises. To spend time with You and to pray, was for Jesus a special urgency the night before He was about to face the events leading up to His death, and during His time on the cross, as He died His sacrificial death. He had taken Peter, John and James with Him for companionship and for them to have the opportunity to pray, at the same time He did. They were all very tired and the disciples had fallen asleep while praying.
They really needed to be awake and praying, lest temptation overcome them; especially Peter, who later denied His Lord three times. How like us also, to sleep when we are in spiritual danger.
In Your strength and wisdom, I determine to seek You in prayer of various lengths, at various times, in many situations throughout each day.
Your love and mercy toward us is not only profound, it is amazing, and only possible because You are God. For any truly repenting person, You freely grant forgiveness, which is just what happened for Peter, and will for me and all others. This is truly “love so amazing and so divine “in action.
Amen