The Look

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The Look

We’ve most likely all experienced  “The Look”.     It comes  when we’ve flubbed  —  big time.     No words need  to be said.     We just get  “The Look”.     “The Look” speaks  for itself.     Whether it’s from a parent,  teacher,  employer,  or friend,  we get the message  —  loud and clear.

“The Look” probably says more  than any long lecture  ever could.     It sure worked  with Peter.     Peter had been so sure  he had the character  and strength  to stand up  for Jesus  in prison  and even death.     Jesus told Peter  he would deny Him  three times  before the cock crowed.

When Jesus’ words came true  a few hours later,  it still didn’t dawn  on Peter  —  until he got  “The Look”.     We read  in Luke 22:61-62,

And the Lord turned  and looked  at Peter.     And Peter remembered  the word  of the Lord,  how He had told him,  “Before a cock crows today,  you will deny Me  three times.”

And he went outside  and wept bitterly.

We,  too,  have denied Jesus  —  like Peter.     It might have been  in words,  as it was with Peter.     It might have been  by our silence,  when we know  we should have spoken up,  instead of cowering  in fear.     Or,  we might even have denied Jesus  by our actions.     When we insist  on living  in a sinful manner  that tells the world  we’re not trusting Jesus enough  to live  in the same manner  as Jesus lived,  our actions  are denying our Lord.

Have we wept bitterly  over our denial?

We need  to be like Peter.     He did not wallow  in his pathetic failure  and just feel sorry  for himself.     Peter looked  to his Lord  and remembered  that Jesus still is  and always will be  Lord of lords,  King of kings,  and God of gods.

Peter remembered the love  of Jesus  and repented  of his denial.     Then Peter remembered  the forgiveness  and salvation  that Jesus always longs  to give each  and every one  of us.

In the strength  of those eternal truths,  Peter went on  to live a life  of true devotion  and real courage  for the Lord.     Peter’s preaching  eventually led  to his death  —  tradition says  he was crucified upside down  for his faith.

All  of God’s word  gives us  “The Look”  that shows  how we,  too,  have denied  our Lord.     Like Peter,  we need  to turn back to Jesus  in repentance,  accept His loving forgiveness,  and let His word strengthen us  to live the rest  of our lives  in a stronger faith.

God will always be there  to lift us up  when we fall.     We should not refuse  His help.

As our Lord helps us up  day after day,  we will say,  “Hallelujah!     Jesus is my Lord  and Savior  forever.”

Love,
Margaret

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A Christian devotional  to glorify  the LORD of lords  and GOD of gods.

Pray for our country.

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The LORD  made this day, let us rejoice  and be glad  in Him.

Psalm 118:24

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The word of the LORD is tried;

He is a shield  to all  who take refuge  in Him.

Psalm 18:30

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Sing for joy  in the LORD,  O you righteous ones;

Praise is becoming  to the upright.

Psalm 33:1

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How blessed are those  who dwell  in Thy house!

They are ever praising Thee.

Psalm 84:4

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Just as a father  has compassion  on his children,

So the LORD  has compassion  on those who fear Him.

Psalm 103:13

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O give thanks  to the LORD,  for He is good;

For His lovingkindness  is everlasting.

Psalm 107:1

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Glory in His holy name;

Let the heart  of those who seek the LORD  be glad.

Psalm 105:3

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Not that I have already obtained it,  or have already  become perfect,   but I press on  in order that  I may  lay hold  of that  for which also  I was laid hold of  by Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12

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