Mark 14:29

New International Version

Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

For Meditation

He meant what he said. It was a promise he intended to keep, and his Master knew it. The Master, however, knew something Peter didn’t know—how weak he was, and which would exhibit soon when the fury of the approaching tide hit Peter right in the face. No one could drink the cup the Master alone could drink (Mk. 10:38). It was ugly and grubby—too heavy to bear and bitter. Jesus would later ask the Father in Gethsemane if they could do it another way (14:36). How could Peter presume on something about which he did not know?

There are things we rush to speak about, issues we get ourselves involved in, and the extent of which we do not know. We are often quick to state our opinion and too hurried to promise, even when we mean well and intend to follow through. The issue is none of those but the depth of the matter and our ability to be faithful. We need the filling and leading of the Holy Spirit if we are to maintain an eye on integrity (Lk. 4:1).

Impetuous Peter got it right when he declared Jesus as the Christ, Son of the living God (Matt. 16:17). Though he spoke quickly, the Father had revealed it to him, and he received a commendation from the Lord. Not this time though, when a sobering reflection should have been Peter’s posture. He loved the Master, and he wanted to let Jesus know it, but that got him into trouble. What a blessing that the gracious Lord had prayed for him ahead of time (Lk. 22:31).

We may love and care much. The Lord knows our hearts and our desires on all issues. He also knows whatever is at stake and the ability He has given us to handle what He has for us to do (Eph. 2:10). The Lord does not need us to prove anything to Him.

We never have all the facts, so let’s not be rash in our promises. It is enough to tell the Lord how much we desire to lend a hand while confessing our frailties and inadequacies. We worship Him appropriately this way than when we promise what we cannot deliver.