Still Want Me, Jesus?...But I Have Sinned!

Still Want Me, Jesus?...But I Have Sinned!

 “Deny you three times…before the rooster crows? Never, Jesus! I ‘m here for you!”

And as Jesus was handcuffed and taken away, Peter fled in fear. He ran to the palace where Jesus would be put on trial.

Soon Jesus would be hung on a rugged cross and die a wretched, death. Soon the preachers would mock Him, the Son of God, as He died to forgive their sins. Soon Satan, the prince of darkness, would lift his goblet of wine and celebrate the death of his arch enemy.

But before the first nail pierced the hand of the Savior, Peter, the devoted disciple, denied ever knowing Him.

He stood with others, warming himself at the fire pit.

“I know who you are! You walked with this Jesus of

Nazareth.”

“Are you out of your mind, crazy? I don’t know that man.”

That’s once!

“You belong to Jesus. I can tell by the way you talk.”

“Shut up, woman. This Jesus is a stranger to me.”

That’s twice!

“I’ve seen you with Jesus!”

Fury registered on Peter’s face. “I don’t know this Jesus #$@&%*!”

That’s thrice!

And the rooster crowed. Peter remembered the words of Jesus. Running from the crowd he fell on his face in the dirt of the

earth—and wept—bitterly.

But God knew. He knew Peter would tell

the world about Jesus. Peter had fallen—needed to change. And when Jesus arose from the dead Peter turned to Jesus and asked forgiveness.  Read Peter’s words below.

"Now it's time to change your ways! Turn to face God so he can wipe away your sins, pour out showers of blessing to refresh you”

Acts 3:19

That’s what Peter did. He humbled himself. And God who is rich in mercy picked him up and wiped away all of Peter’s tears!

Dear Lord, I humble myself before You. I have sinned in this _______________. Please forgive me. Thank you. I love You so!

I Think I'll Go Eat Worms - Great Peoplel Give God Glory

                                 I Think I'll Go Eat Worms

“They shouted, ‘This is the voice of a god, not of a man. Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.”

Acts 12:23

King Herod primped in front of his favorite mirror while his servants arrayed him in royal silvery garments that glistened in the sun. “Oh, yeah, I’m the king. I’m the man.

And what do these rebellious nations think they can do to me? Sure they want peace… they want my resources. I'll give a  speech... that will bring their surrender."

Properly arrayed, properly situated on his throne, the pompous king strutted toward his podium. I’m good at making speeches. People always marvel. Brilliant, that’s what they say—brilliant!

So King Herod opened his mouth and it happened just as he planned.

The crowd listened with intensity and exclaimed in unison. “This is the voice of a god, not of a man." (Acts 12:23) 

As King Herod soaked in their praise, the angel of the Lord, struck him,down... worms ate his body... and he died! Can you believe that? Well as disgusting as it is...it really happened!

God had gifted this king to speak but the king thought the gift was his own. He didn’t need God. Why would he? He was born with a golden tongue. He was a natural.

No generation remembers King Herod with affection. He was a blustering windpipe enthralled with his position, his power, and his regalia!

Had the Almighty written him off without a chance to change? No, God doesn't operate that way.Herod had killed James the apostle, attempted to kill Peter another apostle of Jesus, and seen the miracles...all without a change of heart. 

In the end, a man, who refused to glorify God, a man thirsty for his own glory...died in shame.