We know the end of this story. A few verses later, Peter is quick to say that “I don’t know the man.” (Matthew 26:74) The rooster crows and Peter realizes what he has done—or not done. Is this the “momentary lapse of judgment” that we so often hear about in the news these days? Perhaps in Peter’s defense, I like the rhetorical question Frederick Buechner poses when he asks “does anyone really know Jesus?” I am thinking that we are more like Peter than we want to admit. Not because we are afraid of ridicule or persecution, but because we REALLY don’t know him. How well would you say you know Jesus if the question were directed straight at you? I have found that the way to get to know someone is to spend time with them, not simply hear about them from someone else. The way we get to know Jesus is through prayer, study, service, and worship. By Easter, it would be my hope that all of us would know Jesus just a little better. Maybe the ancient prayer made famous in song by the musical Godspell can help us:
Day by day, day by day,
O, dear Lord, three things I pray:
To see Thee more clearly, Love Thee more dearly,
Follow Thee more nearly, Day by day…
Prayer: Dear Lord, we pray that this journey through Lent will draw us closer to you, that we might know you better and celebrate with you the joy of your resurrection. Amen
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