The First Rooster
I’m sure we have all heard the story about the man praying for God to save him from the flood who continually turned down everyone who tried to help him. He sent the early responders away, then the rescue boat, and finally even the helicopter. When he reached heaven he was confused and asked God why his faith wasn’t rewarded for he had told each of his would-be rescuers that he had prayed and he knew God would save him. The story says that God simply asked, “What was wrong with the helpers, boat, and helicopter I sent?”
We all usually chuckle and make a promise to ourselves that we won’t overlook God’s help in the emergencies in our life. But what if we don’t recognize the emergency? What if we are thinking in the physical realm – like help in a flood or storm – and miss the spiritual help God places in our pathway?
At CYC this past weekend, all who listened to the lessons were blessed. Our congregation chose to attend virtually as we weren’t sure how to keep that many teenagers masked and “Covid-safe” on a church bus and in cabins. We had lots of fun and got very little sleep, but the highlight was the spiritual lessons provided. On Saturday, Chris Miller delivered a fantastic lesson titled “In Need of Strength.” He talked about Peter and how, as he got away from his group, he got weaker. The same man who, in the garden surrounded by a mob that came to arrest Jesus was willing to draw his sword and fight, is now alone by a fire and weak. In the garden, he was beside Jesus and with James and John. By the fire he is alone.
This was a great lesson (with a great visual provided) for all of us – to stay close to our Christian brothers and sisters. But another part of the scripture caught my attention. In Mark 14:30, Jesus tells Peter, “Truly, I tell you, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” Before the rooster crows twice.
Later in the chapter, we read the fulfillment of those words. Starting in verse 66, we read of Peter, by himself in the courtyard being questioned about being with Jesus. After the first servant girl says Peter was with Jesus, “… he denied it, saying, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed” (verse 68). The rooster crowed … the first time. If you keep reading, you know that Peter did not heed the rooster and went on to deny Jesus two more times before the second rooster crowed.
How many times in my life have I been starting down a path that leads me away from my God, and the rooster has crowed? Maybe I got sick. Maybe I lost a job. I don’t know why Peter kept denying Christ after that first rooster. But then, have I done the same thing? Lord, I pray, you will help me hear, and heed, the rooster.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” – Luke 22:31
“Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1 Corinthians 10:12
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AUTHOR: Amber Tatum
