I hear a rooster crowing

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61-62 (NKJV)

Peter heard, Peter remembered, Jesus looked, and Peter wept.

How many times and in how many ways have you had the opportunity to listen to the voice of God spoken through the living Word? I remember all the years I heard it and thought I knew Him. I was overconfident in church membership, culture, and heritage.

What triggered your remembrance of words of life and caused you to hear the voice of Jesus within your spirit? What confirmed to you that you were known by Him? The rooster’s crow triggered Peter. Jesus’ wisdom and words came to light at that moment. Peter realized he was following Jesus on his own terms.

His overconfidence was overwhelmed by being fully known.  

They were close enough in proximity to clearly communicate the message in a look—the intimate exchange between two people that says volumes without a word. Jesus turned and looked at Peter and unconditional love and grace beyond comprehension poured out. 

I thought I would, but discovered I could not. 

I knew I should, but found I would not. 

I confessed my devotion; I expressed denial. 

I failed, and now I weep bitterly.

Bitter tears pour from pools of shame and guilt. Regret-filled clouds hover low over the heart and mind. Regardless of what causes you to weep bitterly, Jesus looks into the depths of your heart with compassion and compelling love.

Thank you, Jesus, for your great love. When you called me, you knew I would fall and fail because you know me better than I know myself. Weeping over my failures is painful but a purposeful part of our relationship.”'Weeping may last for the night,” and the nights are long and dark, but your word tells me “joy is coming.” (Psalm 30:5)