Tuesday, 4/28/2015

“The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.”  ~ C.S. Lewis

2 SAMUEL 19-22

David sings a song in praise of God...

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

3my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield^a and the horn^b of my salvation...

31“As for God, his way is perfect:

The Lord’s word is flawless;

he shields all who take refuge in him.

32For who is God besides the Lord?

And who is the Rock except our God?

33It is God who arms me with strength^h

and keeps my way secure...

50Therefore I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;

I will sing the praises of your name. 

LUKE 22:1-38

Jesus advises Peter that he will betray him...

24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

31“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

JOURNAL

David again is a picture of humility.  In everything he gives all glory and all credit to God.  It is not a platitude or false humility...David's heart knows that all goodness comes from God.  He knows that God is to be credited not himself.

This is the problem with the disciples as they argue over who is the greatest...Peter who tends to be over-confident in himself is called out in Jesus' prediction of his betrayal.  Peter will learn a hard lesson...

18Pride goes before destruction,

a haughty spirit before a fall.(Proverbs 16:18)