The Rooster Reminds...

The rooster crowed three times... Then another three times and another three over the period of 3 hours this morning! Sound like a great first morning to a vacation? He started at about 4:30 am and didn't let up until he had everyone wide awake. It was amazing to me how fast a rooster can crow three times! I guess they are really like little "sets" of three. The rooster was making his rounds and would cover his territory with at least three different occasions over the period of a few hours. Despite being initially annoyed by this rooster this morning I was quickly reminded of Simon Peter in Matthew 26:34 of how...despite his noble intentions and self proclaimed loyalty and die hard devotion to Jesus Christ, he would quickly be faced with the reality of his human condition. Peter betrayed Jesus... not once, not twice... three times. This was the disciple that Jesus named "Peter" the rock!" Matthew 16:18 It was on that rock Jesus would build his church. Now here he was face to face with his condition...even being forewarned and he still betrays Jesus three times. That rooster this morning is a powerful reminder to me of how absolutely dependent I am on God's grace. Friends, despite our best efforts, self-sacrifice, or personal service to the church and ministry, we all fall short and can't save ourselves from the penalty of sin. Romans 3:23. We are saved by grace alone! Thank you Jesus for showing us that even as strong and loyal a man as Peter was- he was desperate for your forgiveness and mercy. I believe we are never more close to God as when we are face to face with the reality of our own betrayal. Oh that the sorrow would compel us to accept his amazing grace and forgiveness! Can we truly accept the gift, the grace and the pardon if we don't see our desperate condition and need? This morning that rooster would have lost his voice if he would of crowed every time I have betrayed my Lord. I am so grateful for his willingness to take up that cross and die for a sinner like me! Thank you Jesus! Thanks for letting me share. Randy Young