The Way of Obedience
Let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in your sight (Psalm 19). Help us to follow your commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and fully believe and embrace the teachings of Jesus (John 2:13-22). Help us to remember that God makes foolish the wisdom of the world (1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
-Thomas Oden,Ancient Christian Devotional
Peter is rebuked because he misunderstood what it meant to follow Jesus. Jesus must suffer, even be put to death. To be his disciple means sacrifice as well. Such a thought was difficult for Peter, just as it is for us today. To lose one’s life for Christ sake is to put self behind and serve others without thought of reward.
-James Kirk, in When We Gather: A Book of Prayers for Worship
Help us to know your ways, Lord; teach us your paths (Psalm 25:1-10). God has made a covenant with us (Genesis 9:8-17) and sent the Holy Spirit to guide us (Mark 1:9-15). We follow Jesus’ example and are baptized for the repentance of our sins and the promise of eternal life (1 Peter 3:18-22).
-Thomas Oden, Ancient Christian Devotional
