Live 4 The LORD

​READ

27  And Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away; for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ 28  But after I am raised up, I will go before you to Galilee.” 29 Peter said to him, “Even though they all fall away, I will not.” 30  And Jesus said to him, “Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.” 31 But he said vehemently, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And they all •said the same.  (Mark 14:27–31, RSV2CE)

REFLECT

Jesus warns the disciples they will fall away when he is caught. But to not be disturbed by this and continue the plan by going to Galilee. 

And just so there is no confusion, God struck the shepherd-He is orchestrating and not out of control! He allows evil and uses it for good! (It is still pure evil from others but God uses for good-God does not do evil.)

Fear is a strong thing. We self protect all the time with lies, hiding, and evasion. 

Like all the disciples we are emotional and think we will not do something but fear hits us and we cower. 

Jesus knows our fear. He knows our response and he tells the disciples get up and continue the plan. 

RESOLUTION

I must live in the Holy Spirit. I must keep listening for the right responses and let Him tell me and empower me to do right even when my life is at stake. Lying, hiding, and evading are the old man tactics. The new grace filled man has power and no fear. 

If I choose to live by the old man I will fall into darkness and cowardice. 

If I do fall by not cooperating with Grace, immediately get up and ask to be cleansed and do the next right thing. 

I must continue the plan, go to Galilee!

And remember that God is orchestrating. He is always sovereign. Nothing is outside Him. He will use all things for good and glory to those who love him. 

REST

Holy Spirit, you are in me to help me hear and empower to live the Christian life. I cannot do it. I have to surrender to your direction to do it. Thank you for being willing to guide me. I know it is undeserved by me and only merited by Christ my Lord. And please my Lord, if I fall, help me to rise up and remember you will make good out of it because I love you! Praise to you Almighty God for your great gifts!! Amen.