What To Do When Your Rooster Crows by Sharon Jaynes

Have you ever been riddled with guilt? When it seems errors of the past just keep pushing themselves back in your face or maybe its people that won't let you forget your mistakes. A broken relationship and an unwanted pregnancy could be reminders of bad choices made in the heat of passion. A bounced cheque or an account in the red can also push the feeling of guilt to the fore. We've all been there and more so Peter, the most brash amongst Jesus' disciple. He denied Jesus not once but thrice and had a rooster remind him of his folly. When the mighty fall, they do fall with a big bang and the devil is always right behind them to constantly remind them of their errors. But Peter's story did not end with his error-no sire! The story gets interesting. I read this article by one of my favourite writers and I'm sure it'll inspire you too. P.S. I'm truly sorry for my long absence would make it up to you. Thanks for still visiting. You can follow Sharon on www.sharonjaynes.com. She is amazing. I sat on my back porch, wrapped in my fuzzy worn robe—the one that’s twenty years old that I just can’t seem to get rid of. The birch trees waved “good morning,” and the newly planted gerbera daisies stretched their faces to the sun…just a bit higher than the day before. Then I heard him. The rooster. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I’m not sure where he lives, but it’s within earshot. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I thought of Peter. I thought of me. I thought of you. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. You know the story. At the dinner table, on the night before Jesus went to the cross, he said to Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death with you.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31) A few hours later, Peter did just that. Denied that he even knew Jesus. Three times. And then the rooster crowed. ER-er-ER-er ERRRR. “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” He cried and cried and cried. (I’ve messed up big time and cried and cried and cried before. Have you?) The next morning, the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure. And the next morning, the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure. And the next, and the next, and the next. With every squawk of the bird. A fresh reminder. First thing in the morning. Have you ever been there? I have. I have failed. And I have remembered…the rooster crowed. And even though I had asked for forgiveness, and I knew that God HAD forgiven me, the rooster crowed in my heart, and I remembered my failure anew. What did Jesus have to say about Peter’s failure? Three strikes, you’re out? Not hardly. After his resurrection, Jesus pulled Peter aside… “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus removed the shroud of shame hanging from Peter’s guilt weary shoulders, and called him to get back to the ministry to which he was called. God’s forgiveness is always complete, total, and comprehensive. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]“ (1 John 1:9 AMP). However, the accuser continues to crow—reminding us our past sins and failures. He tries to drown out the song of grace with the caw of shame. He crows. We remember. Perhaps even weep with Peter behind the wall. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. You know what I’ve decided? Rooster makes a fine meal. Let’s ring the rooster’s neck and cook him up once and for all. Don’t let the enemy accuse you of what God has already forgiven you of? Don’t let him fool you into thinking that the cross wasn’t enough. “Daughter, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord, you know that I do.” I wonder what went through Peter’s mind the next time he heard the rooster crow. I think he smiled and thought of God’s amazing grace. That’s what I’m going to do tomorrow when I hear that rooster crow. What about you? The next time the devil reminds you of all the times you’ve failed, will you stand with me and answer the caw of shame with the song of grace? If so, leave a comment that says, “Thank God, I’m forgiven and free!”