By Ben Stroup
The sound of a rooster crowing probably sent shivers down Peter’s spine for the rest of his life. On that fateful night in the temple court, after his third denial, that familiar sound suddenly became terrifying. Just as predicted, Peter had denied Jesus three times, and now, the rooster was blaring an alarm that signaled what Peter had done. The disciple likely carried the guilt and shame with him forever.
But what if Peter chose a different response? What if, instead of feeling guilt every time a rooster crowed, Peter chose to be reminded, “I messed up, but I am forgiven”?
The message of Jesus isn’t one of condemnation, but of forgiveness.
Today, as we take the bread and the cup and as we’re reminded of his body on the cross and his blood poured out for us, don’t wallow in guilt and remorse for our failure. Instead, let it be a time of thankfulness that we have been forgiven.
Ben Stroup serves as lead pastor of Madison Hills Christian Church in Richmond, Kentucky.
Author: Christian Standard
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Thank you for writing this call to action. I appreciate how you tied in a sound to a reminder that we are called into communion with our Father.
Keep sharing your light to a sometimes dark world.
Christina M. Eder, author