2 minute read.
Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 15:23-16:23 ESV, John 18:25-19:22 ESV, Psalm 119:113-128 ESV, Proverbs 16:10-11 ESV
Daily Verse: “Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So, they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” (John 18:25 ESV)
THERMAINO (2328): “To warm, heat (Eng. ‘thermal’ etc.), when used in the middle voice, signifies “to warm oneself.”[i]
Warm oneself.
Peter finds himself by the fire. Having witnessed Jesus’ arrest, the disciple waits to see what happens next. Never did he imagine life would lead him to this spot. Just hours ago, Peter pledged his undying love to Christ, and now the follower denies Him, not once but three times. Peter didn’t wait well.
Everyone waits. A bride waits for her wedding day, then children, then grandchildren. Sick people wait for healing; soldiers wait for battle; kids wait for recess. Learning to wait well challenges the best of us.
Waiting for Jesus.
We live in Saturday, waiting for Sunday, the day of Christ’s return. Peter didn’t know the future. Standing by the fire, I can’t imagine the emotions Peter experienced. The disciple had no clue Jesus would hang on the cross, die, and resurrect in the days ahead. Peter no longer had hope.
But we do. We know what Peter didn’t; Christ lives. Jesus’ resurrection overcame death and gave us hope for eternal life. We know this world will have troubles, but Christ overcame them on Calvary. Eternity begins the moment you place your faith in Jesus. You can have peace on earth with Christ in your heart.
Peter didn’t understand salvation when he stood by the fire warming himself. But he soon would. And we do. Let Christ take residence in your heart; He warms you like no one else.
Wait well with Jesus. Follow Him and gain His peace which surpasses all understanding.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 115) Thomas Nelson
