Roosters

Roosters

Bible Blast: Read John 18:15-27

Again Peter denied it. And immediately a rooster crowed.

John 18:27

If you live near someone who has a rooster, cock-a-doodle-doo may be the first sound you hear in the morning. But did you know that welcoming the day is not really what they’re doing when they crow?

Roosters are really hung up on their territory. When a rooster wakes up in the morning, he starts cock-a-doodling to let everyone know this is his territory and anyone had better not come near it.

When Jesus told Peter that he would deny that he knew Christ three times before the rooster crowed the next morning, Peter probably didn’t believe him. He believed that he would stick by Jesus no matter what happened. But in fact, he did deny knowing Jesus three times.

The first time to a servant girl. (see John 18:17)

The second time to some men who were warming their hands by a fire. (see John 18:25)

The third time to a servant of the high priest. (see John 18:26)

And then . . . Cock-a-doodle-doo!

The sound of the crowing must have sent chills down Peter’s back. Jesus was right! I did deny him three times, and now the rooster has crowed! As much as the rooster’s crowing may have caused Peter to cringe, maybe it also reminded him that it was the start of a brand new day.

After refusing to admit that he knew Jesus three times, Peter needed a fresh start, especially with Jesus’ crucifixion right around the corner. Psalm 30:5 says, “His anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime! Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning” (emphasis added). Every morning is like another second chance. I have had some seriously bad days, when I flop into bed at night and say, “Thank goodness this day is over!” Knowing I will wake up to a brand-new twenty-four hours is energizing and fills me with hope.

Girl Gab: Mom and daughter, show each other your very best “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” You get bonus points if you act like a rooster while you do it! Thank God for his faithfulness and mercy, which are new every morning.