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I Won't Do That

 

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same (Matthew 26:35 NIV)

The response above is what Peter said after Jesus tells him that he will deny knowing Jesus three times. This happens at the conclusion of the last supper. Just hours before Jesus is arrested and hauled away for by his accusers.  

Sure enough Peter does just as Jesus predicted. Three times he disowns Jesus. He says, "I don't know what you're talking about." Then twice he says,"I don't know the man!"

When I read that, I feel terrible. I can't believe Peter would do such a thing! How could he turn his back on Jesus? How could he disown Jesus? After all, Peter said, “Even if everyone else falls to pieces on account of you, I won’t.” Yet he does.

Then I realize this is me, this is you. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and savior we are saying, “Even if everyone else disowns you, I will not!” Too often our actions don’t support this statement. We still sin. We still make mistakes. We still disown our Savior.

Romans 3:23 says, “for all of sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We are all Peter. At times, we say, “I won’t do that.” Then we do exactly what we said we wouldn’t do.  

Peter didn’t stop with his mistake. Nor should we. “Repent, then, and turn to God, do that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).  

Be blessed and be a blessing,

Matt


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