Y’all remember how at Jesus’ Last Supper, He told His disciples that they couldn’t follow where He was about to go? And then Peter told Jesus how he would follow Him anywhere, even if it required his life. Jesus told him, “Peter, you will deny Me three times before the rooster crows.”
Later that night, after Jesus had been arrested and brought before the high priest Annas, Peter had followed along, and a girl there at the gate asked him if he was one of Jesus’ followers. Peter denied it. And then a slave also quizzed Peter about being with Jesus in the garden. Then Jesus went before Caiaphas and Peter was there warming himself by a fire. Some gathered there asked him if he was one of the disciples and he denied knowing Jesus. And then he was quizzed by a slave of Caiaphas about being with Jesus in the garden and again Peter denied it. Three times Peter had denied knowing Jesus, and Peter did hear the rooster crow.
Peter thought he would be able to face death with Jesus. Yes, he knew Jesus, but he wasn’t spiritually ready, and Jesus would have other plans for him.
We have all denied Jesus at some point in our Christian lives. Maybe it’s by saying things that just plain ought not come out of our mouths. Maybe it’s by seeing something that we ought not to see. It is called sin, and we, at times, will deny His lordship.
Has denying Jesus’ lordship become habit? It’s time we stand with Jesus and we need to do it before that ole’ rooster crows anymore. After all, Jesus went to the cross for us.
Have you ever decided to go do something and knew the Lord just wouldn’t be in it, so you thought it would be best to just leave Jesus at home? I have to tell you, it’s not really possible to lock our Lord in a closet or a box. You could try telling Him He can’t come along, but I’m sure that’s not a very good idea. And besides, whether you want to seek His help or not He will still be there. And though God may not like the sin you are in, He still loves you.
We have all denied Christ at some point in our Christian lives. Jesus was getting ready to go to the cross to pay for our sin debt, and Peter sat right there and told folks three times he didn’t know Jesus and never knew Him. Do folks have trouble seeing that you know and follow Jesus?
Does anything ever jump off of your tongue that denies Jesus? The way we speak reveals a great deal about the tongue. James speaks about it. In studying James, you can’t miss it. Too bad there’s not a vaccine for what the tongue can do. The tongue has been said to be the strongest influence in the church. What we say is able to build people up, but it can also tear people down.
Have you ever squeezed too much caulk from the tube and tried to put a little back? Once it is out, it’s too late! It’s been said there are three things that will not return once released: 1) an opportunity neglected, 2) an arrow released from its bow, 3) a word spoken without involving the brain. One could add such things as caulk and toothpaste as well.
Take a moment and think about the things that cause you to deny Jesus. We could involve all the senses here. If it doesn’t honor God then don’t do it. Yeah, but, but… No, it’s black and white.
By the way, Jesus forgave Peter three times. And each time He told Peter to get to tending His sheep. And after the Holy Spirit came on them, Peter preached, and 3,000 souls were saved.
And they committed themselves to sharing Christ with a lost world; they shared first at home and then went out and shared with the neighbors, and all over the world! We must do the same!
Choose Jesus, choose life! And find a Bible believin’ church where you “fit in” and know, grow, and follow Christ! Tell others! See y’all at church and keep PRAYIN’ for HIS HARVEST! And y’all please KEEP PRAYIN’ for RAIN! Amen.
Psalm 31:24 - Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord!