Prevent Negative Prophecies from Coming to Pass
Rev. Tse Amable | October 13 2024 | John 18:25-27
KEY VERSE:
“Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.” John 18:27 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Earlier in John chapter 13 when Jesus Christ was preparing his disciples for his imminent crucifixion and death, Simon Peter, in a show of loyalty and commitment swore that he would lay down his life for Jesus Christ (John 13:37). But the Lord who knows the end from the beginning told Simon Peter “I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:38). According to St. Matthew, instead of Simon Peter praying and asking for help to prevent the prediction from coming to pass, he continued pledging his unflinching loyalty to his Master (Matthew 26:35). In earlier passages, we have seen Simon Peter denying that he was a disciple of Jesus Christ. Today’s key verse is the confirmation of the third time Simon Peter denied Jesus Christ and just as the Lord predicted, the cock (rooster) began to crow. Simon Peter could have prevented this if he had stopped trusting in his own strength and asked for help.
The Bible says, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5). The hymnwriter took inspiration from that verse and wrote, “The arm of flesh will fail you, you dare not trust your own”.
You can prevent negative prophecies concerning yourself, your family, church or nation by doing something about it immediately. King Hezekiah prevented Prophet Isaiah’s prophecy of death by turning immediately to the Lord in prayer (see 2 Kings 20:1-11, Isaiah 38:1-8). Another thing you can do is to repent if the prophecy was a judgment on account of sin. The people of Nineveh prevented Prophet Jonah’s prophecy of destruction by turning whole-heartedly to the Lord in national repentance.
YOU CAN DO SOMETHING TO PREVENT A NEGATIVE PROPHECY FROM COMING TO PASS
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How do you respond to the Lord’s warning to you either through the reading of the Bible, hearing a sermon or a prophetic message through a genuine prophet? Do you trust in your own strength during temptation, or do you look up to the Lord for strength or the way of escape?
PRAYER:
Lord, I confess that my spirit is willing to follow you to the end, but my flesh is weak. Please, help me with strength from above and teach me how to come out victorious. Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: DENIED
The word "denied" comes from the Greek word arneomai (ἀρνέομαι), meaning to refuse, reject, or disown. It indicates a conscious decision to distance oneself from an individual or situation.
Peter’s third denial of Jesus, as foretold by Jesus Himself, revealed the consequence of relying on one’s own strength rather than seeking divine help. We learn from this the danger of self-reliance during trials. Peter’s failure to pray and draw strength from God led to his denial. Believers are called to humble themselves and seek God’s strength, ensuring that negative prophecies do not become reality.
Reflections:
Have you ever relied on your own strength during a difficult moment and found yourself falling short? How can you turn to God in prayer to prevent negative outcomes in your life?
コメント