Matthew 26:33 

New International Version (NIV)

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

For Meditation

I have another plea and confession to make. I need help with my tongue. Holding back my words have, many times, become a problem, especially with promises to help meet some needs that touch my heart. Unfortunately, my ability has not always matched my willingness, and the disappointments that followed have been worse for the objects of my intended kindness.

1. Do you know how many times my words have come back to bite and haunt me? Do you know the number of times I have had to apologize to my wife?
2. Maybe you don’t have the same problem, but do you remember my good friend Simon Peter? Have you taken the time to count the number of times Peter spoke too hastily?
3. Do you remember his famous promise to Jesus, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will” … Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you” (Matt. 26:33, 35)? Did Peter mean those words?
4. Can we observe Peter at Jesus’ trial before Caiaphas (57-68)? Do you hear him vehemently denying, three times in rapid succession, that he did not know Jesus, even calling curses on himself (74)? Now, watch him closely as the cock crows and his face met that of Jesus (Lk.22:61)? Can you sense how sharply Jesus’ caution to him at the time he promised came to haunt him? “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times” (75).
5. What happened between verses 35 and 75? Do you recognize reality when it checks in at such times? How do you feel about your well-meaning, but hastily spoken promises? Don’t you think you will be wiser aligning your promises with reality before speaking?

I pray you will stand with me in prayer for grace to hold my thoughts a little longer until reality checks in – that I may not have to go back eating my words in any disgraceful manner. But while you are at it, pray for yourself, for you may need a river of grace flowing your way also. Ask your spouse or children.

So, may you hold back your words until you’re sure you can fulfill them; and may you heed the counsel of King Solomon on this subject in: “Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity” (Prov. 21:23). The grace of God be with you!

Shalom