Bold Predictions

Read Luke 22:13-34

In the 1948 persidential election, incumbant president Harry S. Truman ran against Gov. Thomas Dewey. With the democratic party sharply divided, many pundits predicted a landslide victory for Dewey. On Election Day, November 2, 1948, early results showed that the experts were right. Throughout the day, Dewey enjoyed a huge lead and victory seemed all but assured. One newpaper was so confident in Dewey's victory they printed an early headline with the bold prediction "Dewey Defeats Truman".

However, as the night wore on and the results from the midwesternand western states started coming in, the race suddenly got much tighter. By the next morning, Truman had won the presidency and would be headed back to the White House. (The Chicago Daily Tribune never released the paper with this headline to the public but someone grabbed one of these "early editions" and showed it to Truman a few days after the electin. We know about this because Truman posed for this picture because he had an adversarial relationship with The Chicago Daily Tribune. Otherwise, no one would have ever known about the headline.)

In the gospels, the disciple Simon Peter is one of most passionate disciples of Jesus. He was an eager and ethusiastic follower of Jesus who often spoke before thinking. Toward to thend of Jesus' life, he made a bold prediction as well.

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22:31-34 NIV

Unfortunately, just like that Chicago newpaper, Peter's prediction turned out to be false. Even though he had good intentions, he failed to keep his promise to Jesus. When later challenged in the courtyard, Peter denied Jesus three times just as Jesus had warned. 

What promises have you made to Jesus that you haven't kept?

What changes in your life do you need to make make to be more faithful to Him?

Dear Jesus, forgive me for when I make promises that I do not keep. Help me to be faithful to You and to be obedient to Your word. In Jesus' name, amen.