Mark 14 - a love that grows through the days

"Even if all are made to stumble, yet I will not be."
"If I have to die with You, I will not deny You!"
(Mark 14:29, 31)

It is a long chapter of 72 verses.
A pity that I can only spend 15 minutes on it.
But even as I read in haste,
I can't miss Peter's love for Jesus.
It wasn't a perfect kind of love,
in fact, it can be seen as one that is almost on impulse, rash, emotional....
but I believe that God knows our weaknesses,
and such a love of Peter had pleased Jesus.

If Peter had not loved Jesus, he wouldn't have followed at a distance
and watch first hand what would happen to his dear lord;
for Peter cared for Him.
However, when faced with the confrontations of men,
he did what was most instinctive to survival...
he denied Christ.

What a constrast to his bold proclamation about not stumbling, and dying with Jesus!
However, I think about my faith and I am ashamed to speak further.
For I don't think I even have the courage to speak those bold words.
I only plead for God's mercy that
I may dwell in the house of the Lord forever
and to be able to behold His beauty there.

I wonder also what Peter thought about as he wept (14:72).
Other than feelings of shame that he had really did deny Christ three times before the rooster crowed twice?

At times when the words of the Holy Bible were called to my mind, I can't help but be touched at the authenticity and true-ness of the Word.
The Word is really living! He is really living!
And He is constantly by my side, guiding me.

His Word cuts to my heart and I surrender.

"You're right, God... You're right.."

and you know,

"He is God. He really is God."

and you stand in awe of His presence and weep at your own wretchedness and unworthiness.

May my love for Jesus be a deep-rooted and sincere one, not only of emotions and impulsive desires to do more for Him, but one that is quiet and still and of strength, that grows through the days, the years, until I'm safely home.

but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. (Daniel 11:32 (NASB))