Slowly being cooked

Slowly being cooked

Bible:Luke 22:54-62

So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
(1 CORINTHIANS 10:12).

Reading

You might have heard what happens when a frog is put in a pan of slowly heating water. The frog doesn’t realise it’s being cooked! The body temperature of the cold-blooded frog changes to match with the temperature of its environment, so it is unaware of the slowly increasing temperature. When it finally realises it is dying in boiling water, it’s already too late! That picture is a little gross. But it is a helpful way of thinking about how sin can take over, without us realising. Let’s think about the time Peter crashed out and denied knowing Jesus. He didn’t just suddenly flip out and lose it; this rejection of Jesus was a build up over time. It started when Peter was proud and overconfident, boasting at the evening meal, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death” (LUKE 22:33). Then, in the garden, he slept when he should have been praying (VV.45-46). He was totally tuned out to the idea that Jesus would have to suffer and die. As soldiers arrested Jesus, Peter instinctively drew his sword to fight in his own strength (V.50; SEE ALSO JOHN 18:10). Finally, scared for his life and shocked by what had happened, he denied knowing Jesus to save his own skin (LUKE 22:56-62). Peter was like a frog in heating water. He relied on himself, thought he knew better, ignored Jesus words and finally—when things were at boiling point– realised it was too late. He found himself lost in his own mess and out of
options. Sin, selfishness and self-reliance creep up on all of us like this. That’s why we
have to stay awake and alert with Jesus (V.46), focusing on Him in the Bible and being more aware of our surroundings and the things that want to drag us away from God.

WE END UP IN A BIG MESS
ONE SMALL COMPROMISE AT A TIME.

YouTh Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries