Redemption after Tears - Day 43 Month 2 Week 7 Day 1

Today’s reading (Bible in 1 year) 


Exodus 12:1-41 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2012%3A1-41&version=NASB1995

Psalm 37 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2037&version=NASB1995

Matthew 26:57-75 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026%3A57-75&version=NASB1995


Redemption after Tears


“There was a cry throughout Egypt.”  Imagine an entire country where every home sees the death of their oldest child.  The sorrow and grief they feel is deep.  No one can comfort each other because they are all experiencing the same grief at the same time.  The best they could do is grieve together. 


My mother passed away on November 16, 2025.  When people came to meet us and bring comfort to my grieving family, I suspect everyone present had experienced the passing of a loved one and most were able to bring comfort to us.  


When the sons of Israel and their families were leaving Egypt I’m sure some of them were also grieving for the Egyptian families.  Israel may have been slaves in Egypt but they knew the people.  Israeli children likely played with Egyptian children.  Parents knew parents.  Remember “the LORD had given the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians.”


Peter was also grieving in Matthew 26:75.  His grief was caused by the regret he had for denying Jesus.  In verse 74, he  “began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” and immediately the rooster crowed.”   Verse 75 reminded us of Jesus' words “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”  Remember what Peter had said before Jesus told him that?  “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.”  Peter denied the one person that he knew was “I AM”, the Messiah, the Son of God.


What is wonderful is Peter receives his redemption.  His denial of Jesus shows how weak the human heart and mind can be at times.  Jesus uses it to strengthen him and in fact, eventually Peter dies for Jesus, on a cross, upside down, because he feels unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus.  And by the way, that’s an earthly death because Peter still lives as part of Jesus’ Kingdom.  Currently, he’s residing in Heaven thanks to the death and resurrection of the Person he denied.


Israel had been given great deliverance but it was difficult and painful.  God’s chosen people had been delivered! In Peter’s case though, Jesus' death and resurrection provides for the deliverance of humankind!  We can receive this deliverance and be welcomed into His Kingdom family in the here and now.


It’s wonderful to know, from our reading in Psalm 37:28 “the Lord loves justice, and does not forsake His godly ones.”   When Jesus is resurrected He does not forsake Peter, or any of us.  In my life, I’ve denied Jesus, just not in such a dramatic fashion.  Every time I do something contrary to God’s wishes, I deny Him.  However, I know that He will never forsake me.


Jesus will not forsake you either.  All you need to do is believe!


Have a great day

Steve


 

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