And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.  Luke 22:34

 

Calvary

 

It happened, just as Jesus said it would.  Peter denied Jesus.  The rooster crows and Peter’s heart is pierced as he remembers the words of his teacher Jesus.  Peter ran from the courtyard and wept bitterly.  How could Peter who left his former life to follow Jesus deny Him?  How could I?  How could we?

 

I grew up in church.  I loved the singing each week and the Bible taught.  The people and even the Bible pictures shown in Sunday school, I loved it all.  My teen years came and I felt drawn to this world.  I left the Bible and all for worldly gain.  I missed the singing, the Bible lessons, the people and even those bible pictures, but not enough to come back.  I spent many years living in situations that were desperate, dangerous and heartbreaking to my family.

 

Several years later I returned to a different church.  During my first Lord’s Supper the Pastor spoke of the pain and suffering Jesus took before His crucifixion.  Jesus was beaten, slapped and spit upon.  He was ridiculed, taunted and mocked.  The Pastor spoke of the whip, the metal blades for tips used to stripe His back.  Jesus’ skin tore open with each strike, blood running.  He spoke of the crown of thorns, long, pointed jammed into Jesus’ head causing more blood to flow.

 

As I held the cracker symbolizing the Bread of Life, I realized my sins.  Each transgression was revealed to me and I heard the soft, compassionate voice of Jesus say, “I took it for you.”  The cup was passed symbolizing, “this is My blood” I knew the true meaning of love and sacrifice.  Jesus with outstretched arms, His feet nailed to the cross, pain wracking His entire body “took it” for me.  His blood was shed, His pain endured because of His love for me.  I wept bitterly.

 

Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5(b).  Jesus comes back to Peter after His resurrection and restores him.  Peter is forever forgiven for denying his Savior. So was I, and so are we!  Come to Calvary where Jesus took your sins for you.  Be washed and restored to your Savior.  Come back to Jesus.

 

Written by Tammy Schlesinger

Used with Permission