DENYING JESUS?
Memorise: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel
of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of
the scornful. Psalms 1:1
Read: Luke 22:54-60, 54 Then took they him, and led him, and
brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the
hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and
earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou
art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And about the space of one hour after another confidently
affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a
Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And
immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Bible in one year: 2nd Samuel 19:16-20:26, Proverbs
13:15-14:3
MESSAGE
The company you keep determines who you are, what you do,
and how you respond to situations in life. The story was told of a sparrow that
got trapped together with ravens that were caught devouring a grain farmland.
He pleaded with the farmer who owned the trap to release him. “Why should I
release you”, the farmer asked. “Because I am not a raven but a sparrow that
cannot devour your farm” the sparrow replied. “How come you were caught with
the ravens?”, “I was only trying to enjoy their company” the raven replied.
“So, you are being judged because of the company you were in” the farmer
concluded.
The story in our Bible reading of today is pathetic. Many
things could have been responsible for Peter’s denial of Jesus, however, let us
look at some probable factors. Firstly; the Bible says when they brought Jesus
into the high priest’s house;
Peter followed Him,
but afar off. It is dangerous to follow Jesus afar off. Moreover, because it
was cold, Peter moved into the hall and sat down with those that were enjoying
the warmth of the fire that was set. It is unfortunate today that some
so-called believers are enjoying the fire or the warmth of sin in the bosom of
strange men and women.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the
ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
scornful”
Psalms 1:1
Peter, forgetting that he had the identity of a Galilean,
sat in the midst of the residents of Jerusalem and his identity was found out.
Many pretend as if they are not Christians, they easily conform to the comfort
zones of this world. Whereas, the Bible says:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed
by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and
acceptable and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:3
Peter did not notice that his location was not good enough
for him to maintain his obligation of discipleship to Jesus Christ. And when he
was confronted about being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it to the point of
swearing.
Beloved, let us learn from Peter’s mistakes, following Jesus
from afar off is very dangerous to our spiritual life. We must not patronise
spiritual unhealthy zones, no matter how attractive the place may be. We will
be judged by the company we keep.
Prayer Point
Father, please help me never to deny you however tough the
trial may be.
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