This morning as I read about Peter's third denial of being a disciple, I was struck by the rooster's crow. I remembered that Jesus had warned Peter that he would deny Him three times and when he was done doing it a rooster would crow. But then I remembered these words.
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32).
I then thought the whole reason a rooster crows is to let us know it is a new day. A rooster crows because he has an "internal clock that helps him anticipate sunrise (www.earthsky.org). The rooster anticipates the new day is awakening. Jesus could have used anything to remind Peter of his conversation, but He chose to use a rooster.
Peter chose to run and deny what he knew as truth, but there is a new day coming when he would stand his ground and face his own demise at the hands of man.
Peter may have forgotten who he was and who he served for a moment, but a new day was coming when he would proclaim boldly in the streets and synagogues.
Peter may weep after the rooster crows, but soon he will rejoice when many nations receive the Holy Spirit.
I love that Jesus gave Peter a rooster. An ordinary creature that daily crows even today on the Mount of Olives. A new day is coming. Get up and embrace the new day.
I do not know where you have been or what you have done, but I do know each of us need to hear the rooster crow. Go ahead and weep like Peter as you remember what you have done that you should not have done, but then get up and remember a new day has come!
Jesus intercedes for you! Though you may be sifted for a moment remember a new day is coming. Celebrate the rooster crowing as our reminder! Jesus has already come and He will come again!
Shalom y'all.
