Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!
– Isaiah 43:1
It must have been a haunting reminder.
For three days his faith lay in the grave with the Savior’s body, tormented by the rooster’s crow mocking his proclamation of loyalty and public desertion.
After the Lord’s resurrection, the impulsive apostle Peter, more than some, could appreciate the concept of grace. His great fall and restoration add poignancy to his epistles in the New Testament. Evident throughout them is the assurance of God’s unconditional love. Here we find salvation is not simply a reasoned decision based upon a theological conclusion, but the heart’s response to His voice reaching out to us through the ages.
In two books of the Bible penned by Peter, we are reminded of both the honor and the challenge of God’s call.
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We Are Called out of Darkness into the Light
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
– 1 Peter 2:9
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We are Called to Receive Power
Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
– 2 Peter 1:2-3
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We Are Called to Diligence
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.
– 2 Peter 1: 10
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We Are Called to Suffer for Christ
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps.
– 1 Peter 2:21
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We Are Called to an Inheritance
Not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing.
– 1 Peter 3:9
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We Are Called to Glory
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.
– 1 Peter 5:10
What did the rooster’s crow meant for Peter after the resurrection?
It would certainly be a reminder to walk humbly before God. It would surely be both an example of the beauty of forgiveness and the immutability of His calling upon those He has chosen to serve Him.
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.
– Romans 11:29
