The Voice of the Rooster

daily-devotionals

Why would Christ, to do this great work of repentance, use the voice of a rooster? There is mystery in the instruments Christ uses. He can give sight to blind men by spittle out of His mouth on the clay to show that the virtue of Christ’s mouth on the clay vessels of mortal man has force in opening the eyes of the ignorant and impenitent (John 9:6).

In the voice of this rooster, Christ gives Peter an example to follow as well as an occasion to repent. Christ tutors him here in the execution of his apostleship as wells as converts him from his backsliding. A true minister that loves Christ and his sheep must have the wings of a rooster to rouse up from false security both himself and then waken and strengthen others. He must have the watchfulness of a rooster to be ready to discover and warn of danger. He must have the voice of the rooster to cry aloud and warn the Christian of sin. He must have the hours of the rooster, to preach in season and out of season.

Dr. Edward Reynolds was born in 1599 in Southampton, England. He received his BA degree at Oxford in 1618. In 1622, before studying for his masters, Reynolds became a chaplain to the king and preacher at Lincoln’s Inn, London. The puritanical inclinations of Dr. Reynolds were well known; his character of piety and decorum were evident even in his college years. Edward Reynolds is known as the Bishop of Norfolk, but he was bishop for only the final fifteen years of his life and ministry. Prior to that he was the rector of Braunston, Northamptonshire, for almost thirty years. Although Reynolds was a Presbyterian by conviction, he had a reputation of moderation in his church polity. This was evidenced in his role in the Westminster Assembly. He was the only member to sit on all three of the major committees on the Confession of Faith, and with his moderate spirit provided balance in the discussions.
These devotions are taken from the works of Edward Reynolds. They have been edited for thinkgospel.com. © 2013 thinkgospel.