Offended

Daily Reading: Mark 14

Scripture Focus: All ye shall be offended because of me this night: for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. (Mark 14.27, KJV)

Devotional Thought: After Jesus said to his disciples, "Ye shall be offended because of me this night" (Mark 14:27), "Peter said unto him, although all shall be offended, yet will not I." I love Peter’s passion. Peter meant what he was saying. He was a committed follower of Jesus. Jesus goes on to say to him, that before the cock would crow twice, Peter would deny him three times. Oh, Peter! You meant what you were saying to Jesus!

The Greek word, skandalidzo translates offended. It means to put a stumbling block or impediment in the way, upon which another may trip and fall; to cause a person to begin to distrust and desert one whom he ought to trust and obey; to cause to fall away.

The word offended stings. Jesus says, “All of you shall be offended because of me this night.” Peter with a heart devoted to Jesus, chose to deny and desert the One he should have trusted. Three times? Yes, three times! And although Peter gets the bad rap, just as Jesus foretold, all of the disciples scattered. They all were offended. And the truth is that I have offended Jesus! I have fallen asleep when Jesus asked me to be alert and in prayer. I have denied Jesus in my actions and in words I have spoken. Today, my heart’s desire and my prayer is that I would neither be offended by nor offend my Savior and Lord!

-Tutti Beasley

Prayer: Father God, thank for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. I know right now that you will place opportunities in my path this new year to praise you and to give testimony of your love and grace and goodness and faithfulness. Keep me strong through your Holy Spirit to have a heart to share in Jesus precious name. Amen

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 9.1-6

1 I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. 2 I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish before your presence. 4 For you have maintained my just cause; you have sat on the throne, giving righteous judgment.

5 You have rebuked the nations; you have made the wicked perish; you have blotted out their name forever and ever. 6 The enemy came to an end in everlasting ruins; their cities you rooted out; the very memory of them has perished.