READING: Genesis 35-37, Psalm 12, Mark 14
Sometimes it’s easy to read the Word and skip over important phrases. For example, I wonder how many times I’ve read Mark 14 but not really caught verse 31: “And they all said the same thing.” The occasion was Jesus’ prediction of Simon Peter’s betrayal and then Peter’s response, “If I have to die with you, I will never deny you” (Mark 14:31). So convinced was Peter of his commitment that he “kept insisting” these words to Jesus—and we often (and rightly) criticize him for his overconfidence in himself.
Seldom, though, do we recognize that all the disciples said the same. Peter is the one whose betrayal becomes the center of the story, but all the disciples had at least verbalized the same level of commitment Peter had—and all of them fled Jesus when the fire got hot.
Here’s the reality: all of us in our self-confidence can overstate our commitment to Christ, and none of us is immune to running in the wrong direction when opposition heats up. Every day—indeed, every minute—we must choose to stay faithful to Him.
PRAYER: “God, I want to be faithful no matter the cost of following You. Help me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 38-40, Mark 15
