The Rooster Crows

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Devotion:

A lush green lawn surrounded our century-old two-story Victorian home. Rows of vibrant red tulips lined the brick walkway from the gravel road to the front door. A brown Shetland pony grazed near the fence alongside the rutted drive while a flock of mallards swam in calm water and deer nibbled on tall grass behind a huge pond near the home. Farm animals roamed within a fenced area near our flourishing vegetable garden. This completed my family’s thirteen-acre paradise. I loved the serenity that encircled us. Everything was perfect tranquility except for the noisy rooster.

The lively old rooster strutted throughout the yard, watched over his flock of chickens, and crowed with assurance. Early each dawn, he stretched his wings, flew high into the sky, and perched on the rooftop. He showed off as he boasted with boisterous calls, alerting us of the time. The commotion frustrated me, but the boldness of our rooster brought to my mind all the commotion surrounding Jesus’s arrest, the accusations and aggression that followed, and the fateful cries of a rooster recorded in the Bible.

When Jesus walked the earth, He preached and performed miracles. His disciples expected Him to reign on earth. I would imagine they envisioned the Messiah’s peaceful kingdom brought from heaven to earth.

Christ revealed to Peter that soon he would reject his Savior. Jesus knew Peter would deny him, but Peter was adamant that he would never do such a thing and declared his steadfast love. Yet mere hours later he denied Christ, then the rooster crowed three times. He remembered Jesus’ words and wept, overcome by sorrow. How could he speak with confidence and certainty, then collapse in terror when confronted about his relationship with Jesus? He loved Jesus, but didn’t realize that loving the Lord required extreme sacrifice and great suffering.

Peter’s moment of fear makes me doubt myself. I don’t feel confident. I love Christ, but can I withstand the suffering that may be required? Is my love for the Lord deep-rooted enough to endure hatred and my life surrendered in obedience to God? What are God’s expectations, and will I always submit to His will? After all, I lack willpower with small insignificant things and seek comfort in the familiar things rather than abandon myself in wonder and worship of God without thought for tomorrow.

There comes a time to face our weaknesses. How we respond to hostility is of extreme importance. We will buckle in fear or accept whatever purpose or future God has for us. Will we choose Christ? Our confidence in God’s love is an essential part of our witness of His presence within us. Everyone will have a defining moment when there’s a verdict like when the cock crowed. Does that moment reveal intense remorse or joyful celebration?

When I remember God’s words spoken over my life and my response to His call, my prayer is that I dare to stand firm regardless of the outcome. I want to be like that old bird, and I hope to be faithful to the end.

I love the Lord, but have little faith in myself and often ask for God’s help in times of doubt and fear. Still, I intend to proclaim my love for Jesus if faced with persecution, torture, or death. He is worthy of my devotion, so I desire to share the love of our heavenly Father by speaking life and spreading love.

My strength and confidence rest in Him alone.

Prayer:

Lord, it’s alarming that you perceive every thought, both good and bad. There are no better words than David’s petition to you in Psalm 139:23-24.

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Is there any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting?

Your turn:

What are ways that God brought you awareness of your thoughts and created a reverent fear of Him?