9/26/12. Luke 22:54-71. RESTORATION AND HOPE-devotional

Luke 22:54-71

Key Verse: 22:61

Kevin Jesmer NIU UBF          Wednesday, September 26, 2012

“61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.”

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for your love and pouring out your grace on us. Who are we that we should have a personal relationship with you, the Creator of the universe? When I think of this my heart is overwhelmed with this great love. I pray that the students of NIU and the people of Sycamore and DeKalb may know this love revealed through the Gospel. I pray that you may also bless the truth and reconciliation meetings going on in Thompson MB. May healing come to the First Nation people involved. Please grant me one word of God to hold onto through this passage. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen!

Part 1: Remember The Lord’s Words (54-62).

Verses 54-62, “54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

Peter’s struggle in the courtyard illustrates a great distinction between Jesus and his followers. Jesus endured false trials, scourging, and even crucifixion because he refused to deny his own identity and his mission to live and die as the Lamb of God. Jesus did not fail to be committed to his association with his Father in heaven, nor with a humanity lost in sin (Which includes me.) He boldly faced all of this out of his desire to know and save sinners.

But Peter never had this kind of inner strength. He never prayed. He was more concerned with self preservation. We too can become like Peter. At the critical moment, are we willing to be associated with Jesus and endure whatever consequences it may bring? This is a reality if you are at work and there could be some distain for Christian. You can face exclusion and rejection. People could talk about you in a negative light. Are you still willing to include yourself as a disciple of Jesus? Or will you quietly hide in order to be liked and accepted by the world? We need to make a stand and identify with Jesus and uphold the gospel and the word of God. I pray for believers in lands where Christians are persecuted. It costs them a lot to identify with Jesus. May God grant them strength to stand as believers and advertize Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.

Like Peter, we are bound to fail many times. When Jesus looked at him, Peter remembered the Lord’s words. They were filled with mercy. Jesus not only prophesied that Peter would fail, but also that he would turn back and strengthen others. When we fail, we must look to Jesus and remember his words. He is able and willing to restore us.
I really like this about Jesus. He does not crush and reject people. He always has the door open to be restored. I fail many times to stand up as a disciple of Jesus. But Jesus never fails me. I can repent and come to him and he will forgive and restore. I need to learn Jesus’ way. I tend to crush others close to me and close the door to reconciliation. I need to stand up for the truth and at the same time extend the arm of grace to others, especially those close to me. Lord, make me more like yourself.

Part 2: Look Beyond Suffering (63-71).

Verses 63-71, “ The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him. 66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” 70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” He replied, “You say that I am.” 71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.”

During all his trials and suffering, Jesus did not waver at all. His confidence was based on God’s word. His reply, “But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God,” is based on Psalm 110. Jesus looked beyond his current suffering to the glory he would receive.

This is part of the secret to overcoming suffering for Christ. We need to look beyond our present suffering to see the glory that we will be part of when Jesus comes again. Even now, in the midst of suffering, there is a type of spiritually glory that is bestowed upon us those who share in the sufferings of Christ, for the glory of God. We can have hope during trials because we will one day share in His glory. Praise the Lord!

I have my own unique sufferings. It is not suffering of the body (but of the mind and heart). It is not from persecution. It is in an inner suffering that comes from taking a stand as a disciple of Jesus in my family, in my working place and in my community. There is suffering from despair, depression, broken relationships with those close to me; exclusion; rejections, etc. These are inner sufferings. They are emotional sufferings. They draw tears sometimes. A person can just give up the struggle and seek some peace through many vices. But a disciple holds onto Jesus and sees the glory that is being manifest in us and the glory that we will share with Jesus in the Kingdom of God. We can overcome. Any suffering that we are enduring will pass. There is hope in Jesus…a real hope that is more than just words. Thank you Jesus for bringing me through many inner sufferings and helping me to see beyond it all to see the glory of you in the Kingdom of heaven.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive us when we fail to acknowledge you. Help us to be more like Jesus.

One Word: See beyond our present sufferings to the glory of God.