Mark Devotionals
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
Peter denied Jesus three times – just as Jesus predicted. But don’t let the familiarity of the story rob you of its blessing. Read again the words “Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken … And he broke down and wept” (v.72). Notice that his first response was not self-recrimination; instead he remembered what Jesus said. It is that which led to his brokenness. Paul makes a very insightful observation, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death” (2 Corinthians 7:10). Godly sorrow is brought about by the Spirit of God when the child of God humbles himself/herself to his working, and to God’s Word. Instead of destroying, it builds anew; instead of brokenness, there is beauty through the brokenness. Do you allow God to “break” you?
Prayer: Loving Lord, I am so proud. Even when I have fallen flat on my face, and you knew I would, I still make excuses; I still become defensive. Forgive me for losing the opportunity for you to do a miracle in my life by refusing to let your Spirit take my brokenness and transform it into something beautiful…for you! Break me, Lord. Maybe then I will realize that I am, after all, a clay jar that needs to be re-worked, a jar that needs the contents – you, Lord – to flow out. I know that you will do only what is best for me, only what will bring you glory. So take my mistakes and denials and transform me through them. Amen.
