I am still trying to adjust to the fact that I gave in and decided to get a flock of chickens. I began watching YouTube videos and gathering as much information on how to raise backyard chickens. In my flock of eleven I have three roosters with a possibility of a forth. One day as I opened the door to the coop, one of the roosters began crowing at the Sunrise. Research says they have an internal circadian rhythm clock of 23.8 hours and start to crow at the appointed time, their hearing is so acute they can determine where a noise comes from with almost pinpoint accuracy.
When Peter denied Jesus, three times he heard a crowing of a rooster, just as Jesus prophesied. It says that Peter “wept Bitterly” at the sound. Every morning after, a rooster nearby would announce a new morning. It was a constant reminder every time he heard that sound. I imagine the guilt and shame would flood back to him. I am reminded of the story in John 21:1-17 After his resurrection, Jesus was watching the disciples fish all night but caught nothing. But just as day is breaking, a sound is heard over the waters. It isn’t a crow he hears this morning but the voice of Jesus saying “Have you caught any fish?’ No they replied. Then he said, “throw out your net on the other side of the boat.” When they do they have an abundance of fish caught in their net. When John says, it is our Lord, Peter throws off his cloak and jumps in the sea, swimming to get to Jesus. Jesus voice is louder than the sounds of the roosters near by. Jesus is serving them breakfast, Peter receives, restoration, and forgiveness. Jesus asked Peter three questions, Do you love me? He told him to feed my lambs, take care of my sheep, then feed my sheep. Peter received healing and the shame and guilt of the past was erased by the voice of Jesus restoring him to fulfill His calling and ministry. The shame and guilt heard in the crow of the rooster, has now been replaced by the voice of his risen Lord. Don’t let the shame or guilt be a voice that is a constant reminder of your past. As the rooster greets the sunrise and sunset everyday. There is a voice that speaks louder saying:
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies never come to an end they are new every morning, Great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23