Then [Peter] began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly (Matthew 26:74-75).
Our Lord and our God, Shepherd and Overseer of our souls (1 Peter 2:25), how we need Your guidance and Your protection! “I am the good shepherd," the Lord Jesus told His disciples. "The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep" (John 10:11).
At the time, they did not understand, nor did they understand when He told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: “‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered’" (Matthew 26:31). In typical boldness Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never disown You.” And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35).
But in the moment, Lord, just like You knew, his courage faltered. And yet, in Your amazing grace, You had already prepared a plan to restore him, and to secure Your scattered flock:
“Simon, Simon," the Lord Jesus had warned, "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).
How like them we so often are, Lord God, underestimating danger, overestimating our own abilities! How uncomprehending and fog-brained we become, dozing in oblivion, even while You instruct us, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation" (Matthew 26:41).
Thank You, Blessed Savior that You have called us to be part of Your one flock [under] one shepherd (John 10:16). Thank You that You still secure Your flock. And though Satan may desire to sift us as wheat, we are assured that Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us (Romans 8:34).
Help us, O Lord, that our faith may not fail (Luke 22:31). In the moment of trial, fill our hearts with strength, courage, and endurance. Bind us together in love, and unshakeable faith. Help us to strengthen each other so that with one heart and voice we declare boldly, "Jesus is Lord!" (Romans 10:9).
Loving Shepherd of Thy sheep,
Keep Thy lamb, in safety keep;
Nothing can Thy power withstand,
None can pluck me from Thy hand.
Loving Savior, Thou didst give Thine own life that we might live, And the hands outstretched to bless Bear the cruel nails’ impress.
I would praise Thee every day, Gladly all Thy will obey, Like Thy blessèd ones above Happy in Thy precious love.
Loving Shepherd, ever near, Teach Thy lamb Thy voice to hear, Suffer not my steps to stray From the straight and narrow way.
Where Thou leadest I would go, Walking in Thy steps below, Till before my Father’s throne I shall know as I am known.
~ Jane Eliza Leeson ~ Published 1842
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