One of my neighbors has acquired some chickens. I'm an early riser so it does not bother me when the rooster starts crowing around 6:00 AM. In fact I kind of like it because it makes me reminisce about the 'good old days' when there were many more farms in the area.

Laying there awake in bed listening to that rooster do his thing reminded me of the Apostle Peter. Most everyone is familiar with how he told the Lord that he would die with Him, and not deny Him. (Matt 26:35) In fact all the disciples said this, but we have the greatest amount of detail about Peter. The Lord told Peter that he would deny Him three times before the cock crowed.

In fact the third time Peter denied knowing Him the Scripture says that Peter began to curse and swear, saying, "I do not know this man you are talking about!" (Mark 14:71) And according to the gospel of Luke, the Lord turned and looked at him in the midst of his third denial and immediately Peter remembered the Lord's words and went out and wept bitterly. (22: 60-62) One can only imagine how he felt.

In Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he substantiated Christ resurrection by including that He made an appearance to Peter (Cephas) even before appearing to the other disciples. (I Cor 15:5) Psalm 145 says that the Lord is gracious and full of compassion. (v. 8) I believe that He made this personal appearance to Peter to reassure him and to let him know that he was forgiven.

There is no sin that you or I have committed that He will not forgive. Jesus said, "Assuredly I say to you, all sins will be forgiven the sons of men and blasphemies they may utter; ...(Mark 3:30) He forgave Peter and He will forgive you. Only put your faith and trust in Christ. For "in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace..." (Eph 1:7) Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)