Song # 965.2 from Our Gospel In Song Collection by Col Johnston. In Matthew chapter 26, the Bible tells us that Jesus predicted Peter’s denial when He said “I tell you the truth, this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” (Matthew 26:34). But Peter declared “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35). After Jesus was arrested, He was taken to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled (Matthew 26:57). Peter followed Him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. Peter entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome (Matthew 26:58).
Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee” she said (Matthew 26:69). But Peter denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about” he said (Matthew 26:70). Then Peter went out to the gateway, where another girl saw him and said to the people there “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth” (Matthew 26:71). Peter denied it a second time, with an oath “I don’t know the man!” (Matthew 26:72). After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said “Surely you are one of them, for your accent gives you away” (Matthew 26:73). Then Peter began to call down curses on himself and he swore to them “I don’t know the man!” Immediately, a rooster crowed (Matthew 26:74). Then Peter remembered the words Jesus had spoken “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And Peter went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75).
Thought for today: if God seems distant, guess who moved.
Thought for the future: God is forever, and so is heaven. Will you be there? Where will you spend your eternity?