March 13 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

Devotional

There came a day in Peter's life when he could not follow Jesus anymore. Certainly he loved the Master. In the garden, when the rabble attempted to lay hands on his rabbi, Peter had drawn his sword. Narrowly missing a skull, he had cut off Malchus's ear. Don't say that Peter did not love Jesus. But Jesus was so different: he rebuked his friend, and he touched his enemy with healing hands.

Now Peter was a part of the scene in the courtroom and the courtyard. From the yard Peter could see Jesus. There was blood on his face, and he was silent, meek. In a word, Jesus looked like a lamb who was brought to the slaughter.

Peter's heart was in turmoil. How could he identify with a king who was so meek? How could he follow someone who suffered so much and accepted it as if it came from God himself?

The servant girl said, "You were also with that Nazarene, Jesus." But Peter denied it: "I don't know or understand what you're talking about." Peter moved, so that he stood closer to the exit. When the servant girl saw him standing there, she told the others: "This fellow is one of them." Again, he denied it.

And a third time someone asked him if he followed Jesus. Fear and frustration gripped Peter. He swore that he did not know Jesus.

Then the rooster crowed.

It was dawn—the dawn of Good Friday. The King was going to become a Lamb. Outside the gate stood Peter. He was crying like a child.

But in such tears is a glimmer of hope. All unfaithful Christians, all of us cowards are brought back by the way of repentance to the Master's cross.

REFLECTION

When have you found it difficult or embarrassing to admit that you are a follower of Jesus?

Andrew Kuyvenhoven's Daylight, a modern devotional classic, was originally published by Paideia Press in 1977. This updated edition is copyright 2009 by Faith Alive Christian Resources. You can order a copy of this revised version of the book directly from the publisher.

A man of many accomplishments, Andrew Kuyvenhoven is probably best known for his contributions to Today (formerly The Family Altar), a widely-used monthly devotional booklet associated with the Back to God Hour. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations for this updated edition of Daylight are from the Holy Bible: Today's New International Version copyright 2001, 2005 by the International Bible Society.