The Rooster

 THE ROOSTER

The picture above shows a sculpture tableau carved into the outer wall of the Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, Spain.  If you look closely you can see a square carved rooster on top of the column just over Peter's shoulder.  Imagine that the rooster has just crowed.  Notice the dejected droop of Peter's shoulders and the sorrow etched across his face as he realizes what he's done.  Only hours earlier, Jesus had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times," Matthew 26:75.

A rooster sits atop a church in St. George, Bermuda

Poor Peter.  His failure is recorded there in scripture for all the world to see.  In fact, I've noticed roosters atop many a church and cathedral during our travels, and it always makes me think of poor Peter -- with a constant reminder of his sin.

Rooster atop cathedral in Harlem, Netherlands

The fact is, Jesus forgave Peter, just as He forgives you and me when we sin.  He plainly tells us that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness," 1 John 1:9.

I wonder if seeing all these roosters that symbolize Peter's sin, is meant to remind us of God's forgiveness rather than the need to continue remembering all of our sins.  Does not God say to us in Psalm 103, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us," verse 12.

The sight of the rooster might also be a reminder that we need to put on the armor of the Lord, because it is far too easy to fall into sin.  Only hours before Peter sinned, Jesus told His disciples, "Pray that you may not enter into temptation," Luke 22:42.  We're also reminded in Psalm 119, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You," verse 11.

Jesus loved Peter - and loves him still.  Peter devoted his remaining life to sharing the Love of Christ and spreading God's Word.  He ended up dying a martyr's death, refusing to ever again deny His Lord.

Rooster atop a church in Stockholm, Sweden 

How about you and me?  Whether we see a rooster, or not, let's remember Jesus' words to "pray," and the Psalmist's words to hide God's words in our heart -- all so that we will not sin against Him.  "And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be glory forever and ever.  Amen!" 2 Timothy 4:18.