In a world, where Christ name is blasphemed rather than honoured, where the Holy Scriptures are not read. God's precious word is considered equal to writings of other religions. The idea that Jesus is the truth, the way, and the life, seems a far cry from here and now. The cross, is something so strange to modern living that it is cast aside without a moments thought. Yet to those born again it is a positive truth that really can change your life for the better.

At first Peter, found it hard to understand salvation's plan. We find him basking in the glory of proclaiming that Jesus was the Messiah, and being blessed by Jesus for this understanding. His praise was short lived, for as Jesus explained the way he must go Peter rebuked him.

The way of the cross is hard to understand. After all God is the creator of the world. God who is greater than time, came down as a little baby lived on this earth for 33 years and for his kindness, was led away to die on a cross, oh ignominy of ignominies. Yet from the beginning this was God's plan and neither Satan, a traitor or even a friend was going to stop Jesus. Peter felt the wrath of Christ's tongue when he turned to him and said: " Get thee behind me Satan! ". Down he came with all his pride. This was a lesson that Peter needed to learn and so do we. The way of Christ is an hard one, and if we want to follow Jesus we must take up our cross and suffer like our Master.

Dear Lord Jesus, Forgive us for our foolishness and pride. Help us to walk humbly with our God. Lest in our pride we fall. Amen.

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,

forgive our foolish ways:

reclothe us in our rightful mind;

in purer lives your service find,

in deeper reverence praise,

in deeper reverence praise.

J G Whittier