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April 9, 2020 - Join Pastor John for a Daily Devotional

April 9, 2020 by Rev. John Hartman

“The Table of Reconciliation”

It’s late at night, and Jesus is in the hands of the Roman authorities, and he’s being bounced back and forth in a kangaroo court trial. Peter is in the courtyard, warming himself next to a fire, and standing next to him is a teenage girl who comes to him and says, “Say, I know you. You’re one of those who were with Jesus the Nazarene.” And Peter says, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, lady.” And then she turns to the by-standers around her and she says, “This guy, this one right here, he was one of them.” Peter said, “Listen, you got it all wrong.” Things seemed to be going along okay, until a little later some more by-standers come by and say, “Yes, you are one of them. We can tell by your Galilean accent” And we’re told that Peter cursed and swore, “Well, I don’t know what in God’s name you people are talking about.” And just then, the rooster crowed, for the second time that night. And it all came crashing in on Peter what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times. And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:72

That’s a failure. It’s the 9^th inning, the bases are loaded, Peter gets his big chance, and he strikes out. Rooster crows. Game over. Peter fails. We know how that feels, don’t we? To stand with your face all red with embarrassment, looking to find a hole to crawl into, and then pull the dirt in over your head. I heard a riddle one time, “What happens when you play Country Western records backwards?” The answer is, “You get your horse back, you get your dog back, and you sober up.” We wish we could rewind the tape of our life backwards, and then play it again, and do it right. The problem is, what’s done is done. Peter denied Jesus. And yet, that is why we will come to the table tonight at our Maundy Thursday service. We will come to the table to make things right with God. Reconciliation is at the table for you and me in the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

I look forward to worshiping with you remotely via Zoom tonight at 7:00 pm. The link is printed above. Hopefully, you have your communion elements. Be sure to have them ready for the service. And just know, that Jesus can use our failures. He will forgive us, and use all that we are for His glory. So join us around tables this evening, and know that all is forgiven.