New Beginnings — Part 4
Suddenly
And immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he broke down and wept. – Mark 14:72 (NLT)
The word “suddenly” appears more in Mark’s gospel than any other. It seems to be his favorite action word as he wrote about Jesus’ life and ministry. Many scholars believe it was in part because he was writing to a primarily Roman audience who were people of action. Roman citizens were notorious for their quick decisions, lack of empathy, and rampant consumerism. Sound familiar?
Nations that have extreme wealth and prosperity tend to be less reflective and more sudden in their approach. We don’t have time for a lot of meandering down the road of life without immediate clarity and confidence. There is little tolerance for those who don’t get things done efficiently and without fuss.
However, life with God is not always as “suddenly” or efficient as we would like. In truth, life is by nature a bit chaotic at times and leaves us gasping for the next breath of hope.
When Jesus’ words “suddenly” flashed into Peter’s mind in the passage above it left him speechless, which is saying something for Jesus’ most loquacious disciple. Peter’s need to act first, be first, and talk first “suddenly” was gone and a New Beginning was dawning in his life. From that day forward he would be known as the Apostle who denied Jesus. He would live out his days with that distinction. Yet, it was that very label that made him the leader Jesus was looking for to take his church into the first century. It was his pain and struggle that made him approachable for the billions of us who would find comfort in his flaws. It was his restoration in John 21 that gives all of us hope that God can use us too.
It is interesting how different New Beginnings are from what we usually expect. When most of us hear New Beginnings we almost get giddy. It’s the excitement of the new and the thrill of what could come next. In reality, a new beginning is often birthed in the pain of something ending that we loved, someone moving on, a career change, or an unexpected hospital visit.
In scripture New Beginnings often start with things like the pain of childbirth, coming out of slavery, ending a devastating war, the loss of a child, a desert crossing, decades of foreign occupation, a denial of Christ, and crucifixion. God is in the business of bringing beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61). It is one of his specialties.
No matter what you are going through today, remember that the God who raised Jesus from the grave is interested and desiring to bring new life and a New Beginning your way too! Lean on him. Invite him into your situation. Embrace the growth. Expect the unexpected and when it is time, burn those ships. He is your ever-present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
