January 04: John 13:37-38 - A Rooster's Crow (Today's Reflection from My Utmost For His Highest)

Daily Bible Verse: John 13:37-38 (NLT) 

Peter's bold declaration of loyalty is met with Jesus' sobering truth.

"But why can't I come now, Lord?" he asked. "I am ready to die for you." Jesus answered, "Die for me? No, before the rooster crows tomorrow morning you will deny three times that you even know me." 

Following Jesus

Jesus was arrested in a grove of olive trees...

As the guards and others with them left with a constrained Jesus in their midst...

Peter followed. 

As Jesus was inside being questioned, Peter was outside being warmed by a fire.

Peter meant it when he said, "I'm ready to die for you." But when the moment came, fear won. Three times the question came, "Didn't I see you with Jesus, aren't you one of his disciples?" and three times Peter's lips formed denial. Then the rooster crowed.

I understand that. I've had moments where I stayed quiet, or didn't want to be labeled as 'too religious'. Maybe you have too. Denial doesn't always sound loud - sometimes it's silence, compromise, or distraction.

There were other times when I was called "Miss Goody Two Shoes" and I did not like it, because it cast me aside, made me feel ostracized, and left me standing alone. That label carried disdain, as if living with faith or integrity was something to mock.

But Jesus never casts us aside. Even when others misunderstand us, or when we falter like Peter did, He keeps drawing us back.  The rooster's crow isn't just a sound of failure - it's a call to grace, a reminder that we're still His, still loved, still invited to follow.

One of the beautiful things about God, his mercies are new each morning.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?  

Following Jesus isn't about routines or religion. It's about relationship.

Each of us walks a different path, and Jesus meets us right where we are. He already knows us - better than we know ourselves. But we have to show up for the meeting.

That means:

• Spending quiet time with Him.
• Letting Scripture shape us.
• Listening for the Holy Spirit in everyday moments.

It's not about perfection. It's about presence.

Breath Prayer

"Lord Jesus...draw me closer."

Prayer

Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. 

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Lord, help me to become more disciplined, more consistent in my daily walk with You.
Deepen my heart's longing to know You more each day.
Create in me a desire to spend more time in Your Word to feed the Spirit within me. 

Forgive me when I fail.

Lead me on the path of righteousness so my life reflects Christ in me.

Give me strength and encouragement to keep walking this line.

Thank You for never turning away, even when I falter.

I praise You and give You all glory and honor.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Benediction

Go forth in His promise, 

walk boldly in His truth, 

and rest in His peace,

and listen for the rooster's crow - 

not as condemnation, 

but as a call back to grace.

Jesus, 

The Quill and Me

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