Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

12 February 2025

Reading From Matthew 26:26-50

“Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,
    and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

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 26:31-35

     This is yet another example of convincing evidence that Jesus is the Ultimate Prophet.  He accurately predicted that He, the Shepherd, would be struck and that the sheep, His disciples, would be scattered.  This was fulfilled with His death on the cross.  His followers were so afraid that they scattered and went into hiding.  Their scattering had a further fulfillment later as recorded in the Book of Acts when the believers were persecuted and fled from Jerusalem in all directions.  In a heartbreaking conversation between the Lord and His closest friends, He let them know that Peter would betray Him. 

     They had been through so much life together in the brief three years of the earthly ministry of Jesus and grown to love one another so much.  Denying Him was the furthest thing from their minds.  But Jesus knew.  He knew and He still loved them.  He knew and He still saw the potential for greatness in them.  The Lord sees you, He knows you, and He loves you. 

     This prophecy of Peter’s denial did come true.  But remember that after the resurrection of God the Son, He breathed on His disciples and they received the Holy Spirit.  Then He instructed them to wait in Jerusalem for an endowment of power from on high.  They obeyed Him.  They met together in unity, praying faithfully together, and the Holy Spirit filled them to overflowing with victorious power and extraordinary passion for ministering His message of reconciliation to the world.  God can do the same for you.  He can meet you where you are at with all of your heartbreak, struggles, and sins and He can make you into a strong and mighty warrior if you will choose to let Him.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me even when I’m a mess.  You met me where I was at, rescued me from the miry clay, set my feet upon You, my Rock and my Redeemer, cleansed me from all sin, clothed me in robes of righteousness, feeding me from Your Word and allowing me to drink deeply of Your Spirit.  Thank You for Your love and tender care.  All I know to do is return love to You by following You and praising Your holy Name.  I love You Jesus.  Amen.”

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

–Romans 5:8