Who's the Coward?

Today I woke up with Jesus and Peter’s thought about what happen so my mind started to run and I started to write. I looked in the Bible and everything came to a conclusion.

If the disciples intervene then the Gospels will never be written because they will be crucified with Jesus instead.

Did Jesus know that Peter will deny him ahead of time when he said to Peter: “And I tell you the truth you will deny me before the rooster crows 3 times” or this was a command to Peter from Jesus?

Almost every Preacher talks about Peter being a coward but when Jesus appeared walking in the sea the only one who was braved enough to step out of the boat was Peter.

The story that I hear all the time contradicts itself when the soldiers when to get Jesus the only disciple who got in the way was Peter. We know this because in the story says that Peter cuts a soldier ear with a sword. Then, Jesus told him: "those who live by the sword will die by the sword". Clearly, Jesus told him, in other words, that he should never do this anymore because his time was not yet.

Do we categorize Peter as a coward or as obedient?

I believe with all my heart that Peter will get in the way to get Jesus out of there because Jesus knew his thoughts before, Jesus told him: “Peter, Satan is trying to sift you”

Why was this?

Because must of Peter’s actions were lead by the flesh and not the Holy Spirit.

Think about it!

Then, we will never have the story when Peter and John when to the synagogue and encounter a sick man, then Peter told him: “Silver and gold I do not have but in the name of Jesus rising and walk”, then at the end of Peter’s life he actually was crucified upside down, Why? Because he told Jesus at the last supper: “Even if I have to die with you (crucified) I will never disown you”. All other disciples promised that they will never betray Jesus but they did.

I don’t have an account on how the other disciples died but I am guessing it was a similar dead like Jesus had. What I realize is that Jesus took Peter with him everywhere he went. Not all twelve had the same calling.

Put yourself in the same situation as Peter. If you love Jesus so much… What would you do? Defend Jesus and let Satan sift you? Or Let the Scriptures be fulfilled?

Before the crucifixion, at one point Jesus felt fear, maybe he receives a revelation of the things that will take place at that time, that’s why he went to pray and said these words: “my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”.

Jesus knew already what was going to happen and he said: “my Father if it's possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not I will but as you will”.

One of the major reasons Peter cut out the soldier’s ear was because Jesus told them ahead of time: “watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing but the body is weak”.

If you noticed when Jesus call Peter, Peter was to acknowledge Peter as a disciple (walking in the Spirit) but when Jesus addresses Peter as Simon then it was because he started to walk in the flesh. "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat" Luke 22:31

Be blessed,

By Carmen Pilar Rosario

Steps to Forgiveness (Devotional)

Well, today God draws me to the Bible and open in Jonah. Jonah is one of my favorites stories in the Bible.

Jonah's wilderness was the fish that swallow him for three days and three nights.

When we are in great trouble is when we call upon the Lord like Jonah.

I can't imagine someone being inside a fish. It is something awesome but scary at the same time.

How many of us knows that God will not leave us until He accomplishes his purpose?

Interesting steps to forgiveness:

1. they believe God

2. declare a fast

3. put on sackcloth

4. call urgently to God

5. repent of evil ways & violence

Jonah said to God: "I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity"

But Jonah didn't realize that he also sinned when he was hiding from God!

So, he was mad at God because God send him to prophesy and God change His mind towards Nineveh.

This is a great example and teaching on how God takes care of the vine.

Are you mad and concern about the vine? neither you tend it or make it grow.

In my own words: "Are you crazy Jonah you want me to punish hundred and twenty thousand people for making you feel good? You must be out of your mind. I was the one who made them why should you be the concern with something you did not work for? I give and I take away.

Be blessed,

By Carmen Pilar Rosario