Sunday 12 January, 2020

54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.” 57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said. 58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.” “Man, I am not!” Peter replied. 59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Whenever I read this passage, I often struggle to understand how Peter could have so adamantly denied Jesus after all He had done for him. However, it was fear that crept into Peter’s heart and caused him to deny Christ. It was fear of what man would think or do that caused him to stand on his own and detach himself from his Saviour. It was fear that clouded his thinking and led him to betray Jesus.

Whilst I often think Peter was foolish to deny Jesus so many times, I am challenged to think about when I deny Jesus – in the way I live or speak. When do I choose to go my own way or neglect sharing my faith in Jesus when opportunities arise? Fear can so easily creep in and cause us to get side tracked. 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us that the Spirit of God does not make us timid or fearful, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. I am reminded today, to invite God’s Holy Spirit into my heart, to help me be strong and stay the path He has for me.

God, I thank You for Your love and grace. Please help me to be strong and courageous in my pursuit for You. May Your perfect love cast out any fear in me today. In Jesus’ Name.     

Written by Laura Samperi