It's Hard to be a Martyr | By David A - CR Leader NW Arkansas

In Mark 14, Jesus has just had the “Last Supper” with his 12 apostles and is about to be betrayed and led to his cruel death.  He lets them in on some news that probably shook them to their core:

27 “You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’
28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
29 Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.”
30 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “Today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.”
31 But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.

As I read those words a few mornings ago, it hit me that – in essence – Peter was saying “I ain’t falling away!! I’ll be a martyr for you, Jesus!”  Then, the thought hit me: “It’s hard to be a martyr!”  Maybe that could be a loose paraphrase of Jesus’ response to Pete. 😊   In other words, Peter didn’t really know the depth of the commitment he was espousing to be able to pull off.  

Then my songwriting mind went into gear. “Lord, It’s hard to be a martyr.
It’s even hard to be a friend.”  (Still to be completed. 😊)

I had to remind myself that I’m not the only fallen guy in the world and that my best aspirations don’t always pan out the way I plan.  But I’m glad Jesus keeps wooing me back to Him.  After Peter betrayed Jesus twice and the rooster crowed “thrice” – and Jesus died and rose again – he loved Peter back to forgiveness and new hope.

Sounds like what Jesus does with me in my recovery every day.


 

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