04/03/2018
We hear the story of Peter denying Jesus three times before the cock crowed, and we think to ourselves that this man was weak of character, but do we ever look at our own lives and count our own denials? Denying can be blatant like in the case of Peter, or it can be subtle. Do you speak up when the subject of faith comes up in a group, or do you deny Him in your silence? When you are at a social event and someone belittles Jesus do you defend Him or walk away... denying Him? How about the witness you didn’t give someone when the opportunity arose, and you were afraid? Denial comes in many forms, can we overcome it?
“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times." And he went out and wept bitterly.”
Luke 22:61-62 ESV
If we are honest with ourselves, we are all like Peter, or have at least had moments of denial as he did. However we should take heart because though we have failed there is hope for us. Peter denied Christ, but that wasn’t the end of the story, what came next was remorse and contrition... “and he went out and wept bitterly.” Peter humbled himself before God, and eventually the risen Jesus.
Peter wasn’t a weak person, he was bold and self-assured. Do you remember his words just before Jesus told him that he would deny him? Listen...
“Peter answered him, "Though they all fall away because of you, I will never fall away."”
Matthew 26:33 ESV
How about at the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus was captured and all the disciples fled? There was one that didn’t leave entirely, and eventually mingled with the guards in the temple....
“And Peter was following him at a distance, as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and going inside he sat with the guards to see the end.”
Matthew 26:58 ESV
Or think back to the two apostles that ran immediately to the tomb of Jesus when Mary told them that the body of Christ had been taken. One of the two was Peter.
No, Peter was not of weak character, and he was not one to hang back when things were happening. Peter already had the makings of the rock on which Jesus would build his church. What lacked in Him was self-denial and a humble spirit. Jesus saw this conversion coming and gave Peter instructions for that time.
“but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."”
Luke 22:32 ESV
The conversion of Peter came at the moment of his greatest disappointment in himself, it came when he realized he had indeed denied Jesus just as He had predicted. At that moment Peter wept, and he underwent a life changing moment.
So how about you and me? When we face our denials do we love Jesus enough to weep at our failure? Do we go through a life changing realization when we have failed Him, or do we marginalize that failure and rationalize it away? We like to think our character is strong enough when we avoid saying “I don’t know Him!” But is it really? Is our silence any less?
God has a plan for your life, and Jesus is prepared to do wonderful things for the kingdom of God through you, but first you have to go through denial... not just a denial of your faith, or Jesus, but the ultimate denial of yourself as you place Him at the center of your life, and as you internalize the humility that is required before you can let go. Have you done this yet, or are you still claiming innocence in your moments of silence, and inactivity?
Humility and a release of self to God is not a weakness, it is being strong enough to understand who you are, who God is, and to have the boldness of character necessary to let go of your self-assuredness and control. This was who Peter was. His humbling didn’t prohibit him from becoming the rock that Jesus spoke of... it allowed that transformation to take place. Are we able to let go? Are we able to humble ourselves as Peter did? Are we ready to be changed into rocks? Jesus will build with rocks, but mud is of little use... which are we?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for opening my eyes to the true lack of strength and character I possess alone; thank you for allowing me to see that I am not strong enough, in and of myself, to speak boldly in dangerous times, or to proclaim aloud that you are my God and that Jesus is my Savior before those who would use that against me. In this realization Father, you bring me to an understanding that the self I have thought was so perfect actually has terrible flaws, and demonstrates weakness in me. Thank you Merciful God for revealing the absolute strength of humility, and the power it gives me over those who would hurt me. My humble demeanor removes the control of others from me because in it I simply deny their dominion, and project your supremacy in my life. Help me Jesus to be like Peter, and to find in my failures, and my denials of you, the realization of my own shortcomings; then open to me the remorse and contrition I need as I seek to humble myself before the you, and the Father. Teach me to become a rock that can be used in building the kingdom of God, and remove from me the quality of mud within me, a quality that shapes itself to whatever contains it, and has no strength, and maintains no shape of its own. You are great Father, and you lead me in my obedience. You instill in me a true strength of character, and faith... founded in my release of self to you. Cut me as a stonemason Father, hew me into a shape suitable to your purposes. For your use I humbly submit myself, and praise your name always. Teach me to instruct in the words of a humbled, and changed Peter...
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,”
1 Peter 3:15 ESV
Rich Forbes