The Voice of a Rooster
Jesus said to him, “Assuredly I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” Matthew 26:34 (NKJV)
We never had a rooster on the farm. Thankfully, we had many egg laying hens. But the neighbors had a rooster and before the sun kissed the sky, our pillows went over our heads as it greeted each morning. Its daily announcement—rain or shine—was not enjoyable! The only good thing was that it was a fairly accurate alarm clock, albeit too early. David Winters (All God’s Creatures) shares a great rooster devotion.
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When I was growing up in Ohio, Mother made sure each of us children received regular doses of Scripture. In addition to church attendance, she read Bible stories to us from the time we were very young. The lessons about Bible heroes and heroines continue to pay dividends in our lives today.
The town of my upbringing sat squarely in the middle of farm country. It wasn’t unusual to see and hear farm animals, including chickens and roosters.
If you’ve ever met a rooster, chances are he proved quite territorial. Most roosters make one thing clear to paperboys and postal carriers alike: I am the rooster around here, and I rule the roost. Even riding my bicycle along county lanes could bring an occasional rooster out of nowhere, quickening my heartbeat and urging me to peddle on past. Get away from here! the rooster seemed to be trumpeting.
Encounters with roosters have always reminded me of the story of Peter in the Bible. Jesus warned him that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny his Savior three times. Although this sincere disciple refused to accept the words of Jesus, he soon found himself doing just what Christ had predicted. The sound of a rooster crowing reminded Peter of his sin. It drove him to repentance. Roosters speak to my conscience as well. The last thing I want to do is fall short of the high calling of salvation. Even so, I miss the mark sometimes.
Providentially, God knew His followers would mess up. I require confession and repentance when confronted by the Holy Spirit. When I turn from wrongdoing, Jesus is eager to forgive and gather me into His arms. What a Savior who places roosters in my life to wake me up to His love!
Cock-a-doodle doo!
Loving Lord, thank You for Your relationship with Peter and all the lessons to be learned. Help us never to turn our ears away from the crowing roosters. Teach us repentance and humility. AMEN.