THE COCK CROWS AT DAWN (3).

*WISDOM FOR TODAY.*

*THE COCK CROWS AT DAWN (3).*

*Scripture Treasure.*

Mark 14: 27-31 *And Jesus saith unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.*

*But after that I am risen, I will go before you into Galilee.*

*But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.*

*And Jesus saith unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.*

*But he spake the more vehemently, If I should die with thee, I will not deny thee in any wise. Likewise also said they all.*

*Insight and Highlight.*

1 Sam 2:9 *He will keep the feet of his saints,......for by strength shall no man prevail.*

*Scripture Commentaries.*

Mark's record of Peter's statement saying he would not be offended if Jesus was arrested was more intense.

Mark recorded saying Peter spoke *".....the more vehemently......"* even after Jesus had told him that before the cock crow, he would deny Him three times.

Mark's description of Peter's action was

expressing the manner Peter spoke and it provided more information about Peter's seriousness which may carry along with it an expression of a forceful, passionate, or intense, persistent manner; with great feeling.

Peter might have been serious but he failed to realize a few things.

We will look at further lessons we could learn from the cock crow.

First, is that it would take the Spirit that was more than the spirit of man to do what he said he would do.

Job 32:8 says *"But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.*

True understanding, know-how, efforts and wisdom come not from age, passion, experience etc but from God's Spirit within a person. 

In Job 32:9 Elihu further said *Great men are not always wise: Neither do the aged understand judgment.*

Peter had seen, walked and tasted the power of Jesus but he failed to realize that the power to do what he intended to do was beyond him.

It is not in any intentional or willful desire but it is in receiving the power to do so, ref Acts 1:8.

Paul taught us that he could only do all things through Christ who empowered him, Phillipians4:13, which goes to explain that that the divine "spirit" or "inspiration" from the Almighty is what truly grants understanding and the will to do what we hope to do.

We can plan, will or wish but God disposes.

Prov 16:9 *A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.*

Second, it is God that provides both the desire and the ability for believers to fulfill His good purpose.

His provision provides the ability.

Phillipians 2:13 says *For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.*

He provides the strength and ability to carry out those desires. 

Third, Peter's statement or confession could be compared and contrasted with his statement in Matt 16:16 and 22.

In Matt 16:16, his confession was endorsed by Jesus when Jesus said to him "*....flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven."* Matt 16:17.

However, his declaration in Matt 16:22 that

Jesus would not die and be raised the third day could be affirmed as his "flesh and blood" as Jesus told him in Matt 16:23. Jesus *"......said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men"*

Peter who a moment ago, was esteemed for his remarkable comment was almost immediately rebuked for his loose and unguarded statement.

How often unstable and unreliable he often was!

God used the foolish things to prove human wisdom wrong, ref 1 Cor 1:27.

The cock would crow. It would crow at dawn to prove him wrong and it crowed!

*Remorse corner.*

Only God provides both the desire and the ability for believers to fulfill their purposes.

Prov 19:21  *"There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.*

*Call to Word action.*

Zech 4:6: *"......Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."*

*The Christian clarion duty.*

Whatever man wishes to do, only God's divine spirit could provide insight into things that natural intellect alone cannot grasp. 

*Prayer.*

Lord, help me as l request for divine enablement to achieve purpose in life, in Jesus name.

Good morning all, and have a blessed day.

God bless you.

Shalom.