Christian Living

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And The Cock Crows…
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


While rummaging through his grandmother’s large box of old books, Rodney Speers, 17, lifted a hand full of books only to drop a white leather covered Bible on the floor. The Bible fell opening it on the page side. When he picked it up, he noticed Matthew 26:74 was revealed to him—Then he began to curse, and he swore an oath, “I do not know the Man! At that moment the cock crowed.”

Rodney felt as if he was taken back in time to be next to Peter in the courtyard. It was an unusually cold evening. To his left was a blazing fire. The fire was large enough that it provided heat and light to the courtyard area. It offers warmth and companionship as well as protection from the dark. Yet Rodney felt afraid of something but did not know what it was.

Peter was confronted by a woman. She attempted to affirm him as one of Jesus’ followers. Peters denies knowing Him. The cock crows. Rodney cannot believe what he has heard or seen. Why didn’t Peter recognize Jesus? Rodney thinks to himself that if he is confronted, he will boldly affirm his relationship. He’ll not be afraid!

Then a teenaged girl comes over to Rodney. “You’re a friend and associate on Jesus. I saw you walking and talking with Him on at least 2 dozen occasions.”

“Who me?” responds Rodney.

“Who do you think I’m talking to? Yes, you!! I’ve seen you with that Man you call Jesus—the Christ.”

“No, no! Not me! You have the wrong person I tell you! You’re just a crazy dumb girl! Why don’t you get a life instead of spreading terrible lies?” Like Peter, Rodney abandoned his Friend whom he promised to follow to the death. And the cock crowed to remind Rodney of his sin.

Many people when they read the account of Peter’s confrontation with the woman in the courtyard at the time of Jesus’ trial leading to his execution, often say they would never have denied Him. Yet often do deny Him through thought, words and deeds.

When we mock a teenage boy or girl for their misbehaviors without offering them a loving alternative, the cock crows.

When we engage in adulterous or fornicative sex acts because everyone else is doing it, the cock crows.

When we do not give our employer an honest days work for the pay we receive, the cock crows.

When we give into unjustified anger, the cock crows.

When we lie or gossip about a person, the cock crows.

When we put off today what we should do now, the cock crows.

When we support the execution of a pre-born child for convenience sake, the cock crows.

In so many ways each day, the cock crows for us. And like Peter, if we look into His Sacred Eyes, we weep bitterly!!!

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