Take Heed Lest You Fall
From Pastor Cristy Olof
Mark 14:26-31
And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written:
‘I will strike the Shepherd,
And the sheep will be scattered.’
But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” Peter said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be.” Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.” But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And they all said likewise.
It fascinates me that Jesus could sing the night before he was to be taken to be crucified. I am not sure I could sing in such a circumstance! Oh God, build our faith!
Peter makes a large claim that led everyone to the same conclusion. How little did they realize in that moment how far they would miss the mark. Let these verses be a reminder to each of us how close we are to stumbling! Pride wants us to believe that we will never hurt God or others. Our weaknesses are to be the very thing that God uses to show His strength and power.
1 Corinthians 10:12 reminds us, "Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."
Lastly, this reminds me to be careful in the judgment of others so that I, too, will not find myself in the same situation to be judged.
Matthew 7:1-2: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Love you Church!
Cristy