By: Gavi

Read: Numbers 14:1-15:16, Mark 14:53-72, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind:
“Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
And he broke down and wept.
(Mark 14:72)

Relate: Through race, age, gender, and personality, the uniting factor for both I, the writer of this message, and to you, the reader of this devotion is through our identity as children of God. metaphorically, as all Children of God do, we are walking on the road known as our “walk with Christ.” However, as this road is expected to do, it suddenly diverges into a fork. 

This part of our walk seems anything but special at first, but suddenly two extremely different paths are seen. One offers all the riches the world has to offer, all pleasurable desires that may satisfy you, but at the cost of your morality and religion. On the other hand, the other path comes endless challenges and obstacles with seemingly no end to these trials, but your morality and religious belief are strengthened and even more concrete as a result.

React: As Christians, simply people, we’d probably say “Oh, I’d probably pick the path that helps me grow with Jesus!” Unfortunately, we’d almost certainly fail when this trial actually comes to face us. Nine times out of ten, most people would probably pick going through the middle, endlessly switching to “get the best of both worlds.” However, this middle path has a secret trait that one fails to realize until it is too late. Just like the path of worldly riches, this “best of both worlds” leads to a single fate of ultimately walking away from God for good. 

Mark 14:53-72 shows us Jesus’ trial before the high council and Peter’s subsequent rejection, just as Jesus foretold. And I pray that no reader of this book, let alone any Christian reject God in the same manner when the world and its desires come face to face with your journey with Jesus. The chance may never come again, and before we know it, we may be standing before the gates of hell, forever regretful of our decision during this life on Earth. To some, now may be the time they encounter this fork, and these people are to make a decision that affects the rest of their lives. Our time here on earth is nothing compared to our time in heaven, and the riches of this world are useless to the moral, right living that God brings to us. And although this gets incredibly uncomfortable, now is the time to make a choice.

Respond:

Lord, Heavenly Father,
Open my heart up to you, let me remember my purpose on this Earth. Let me not be blinded by the riches and pleasures of the world, but let me choose you. Let me remain steadfast under your spirit, let me become adamant against the sinful temptations that the world may bring against me. Let me remember the gift that you gave, your only son, and let me allow myself to be rescued and saved once again by you Give me guidance, and let me truly know who you are.
Amen.