Bible Reading: 1 Kings 16,17,18; Luke 22:49-71
“But Peter said, man, I don’t know what you are talking about. And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed” Luke 22:60 (KJV)
The denial of Jesus by one of His closest disciples is something we must study carefully. Peter, even told the Master earlier, “… Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you” Luke 22:33 (KJV). It sounded so easy for him but when the situation became real and fingers being pointed at him as one of Jesus’ followers, Peter, for a third time said, “… Man I don’t know what you are talking about..” Luke 22:60 (KJV).
Peter’s denial does not mean he was a faint hearted person, no! Remember, he walked on water (Matthew 14:28-30). He was always on the forefront in many activities of our Lord. But when it looked like it mattered the most, he dropped lower. His heart was just not totally with Christ. How many times have we denied Jesus and still do in our daily works?
Some people, even highly placed in government, would keep quiet and let laws that are targeted against the people of God to be passed. Yet, they had the power to stop or at least contest it. Many in offices don’t want colleagues to know they are born again. You must grow to the point where you should publicly identify with Christ in any and every situation. And this can only happen when you are convicted in your heart in your walk with Jesus.
Yes, fear and intimidation, and sometimes mockeries will be used as tool to put you in a corner, but only a total conviction in your heart will see you through. And thank God for His mercies which are new everyday, the same Peter who cried after denying Jesus, repented and spoke publicly such that about three thousand souls were added to the church (Acts 2:41). He also stood
Christ prayed for Peter before the denial. He is still making intercession for us so that we can grow in faith and strengthen the brethren. So in any area you may have denied Jesus, repent and make a resolve to identify with Him publicly.
Prayer: Father, I thank you for the grace to identify with You