April 7, 2023If you live in Quebec, you have had a week unlike most weeks, as you experienced a violent ice storm. Even though weather forecasters predicted that freezing rain would fall on Wednesday, many, if not most of us were unprepared for the powerful storm that caused the hydro-electric power to be cut for many hours.
When Jesus was preparing to go to the cross, one of His disciples, Peter, cut off the right ear of the high priest’s servant (John 18:10). Jesus told him “Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?” Jesus was then arrested and taken to the high priest, Caiaphas, after seeing Annas, Caiaphas’ father-in-law (verses 12-13). John, the author of the fourth gospel, records “Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people” (v. 14).
As many people did yesterday, Peter stood beside a fire to warm himself (v. 18). Even though he had told Jesus that he would never deny Him (Matthew 26:35), Peter denied being one of His disciples three times “and immediately a rooster crowed” (John 18:27). We all, like Peter, make promises that we don’t keep. Today we remember how God demonstrated His love for mankind by sending His one and only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be born in Bethlehem and to live a sinless life, before dying on the cross to redeem all who ask His forgiveness.
If you are a believer, rejoice in His love and share the good news of Easter with others. If you have not repented of your sins and trusted Christ as your personal Saviour, today would be a great day to do so.
Scripture for the weekend: “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 (NKJV)
Thought for the weekend: “Regret often means, ‘I’m sorry for all this trouble,’ or ‘I’m sorry I got caught,’ while repentance always means, ‘I’m sorry for my sin, and I choose to turn from that path and back to God.’ Repentance leads to salvation – and to abundant life in Christ. Regret for regret’s sake, devoid of true repentance, leads to demise.” – Dr. David Jeremiah (from “The Jeremiah Study Bible”)
Steve