Not once did i read that Peter the apostle wept at any of the parables or teachings of Jesus His master. I would have expected the story of Lazarus, the rich man and hell delivered by the greatest teacher of all time to have convicted Peter to a place of repentance. If that had happened, probably he would not have carried a sword to chop off someones ear on the night his master was arrested. He was not ready for the death of the cross and would defend himself. But since Jesus was too gentle to support his pain inflicting and retaliation effort, he immediately abandoned the saviour and took off. While he was on the run, seeking for alternative solutions around the cross, he was confronted by three sets of people.
First, a little girl confronted him and he denied. Another little girl identified the great apostle as he made attempt to disguise and hide himself among the people in a bid to avoid the pain of the cross.Again, Peter denied ever knowing Jesus.
While making effort to blend with the world, another group of people confronted him with his manner of speech and then, Apostle began to curse to defend his position of never knowing the Lord.
Finally, a rooster (a male domestic fowl) had to send a convicting signal before Apostle Peter came to His senses. Then the apostle was convicted deeply and wept bitterly. The pain of being convicted by an animal far outweighs the pain of cross.
Thank God for the Lord who prayed for his restoration before it all happened. Thank God for a second chance. Dearly beloved, when a man fail to descend through the cross, when a life fail to surrender and heed the warning of the Saviour, such a man might be left alone. When the conviction of the Holy Spirit no longer has effect upon a life, a chicken or a donkey might be used to fire a warning signal.
If any man will follow me Jesus said, let him take up his cross daily… There is no way around the cross. Surrender completely to the cross and be raised up in power and glory. When Peter recovered, he joyfully requested to be crucified on the cross upside down according to church history.
