Skip to main content

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


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Glow Differently

I saw this quote recently, “You glow differently when your confidence is fueled by belief in yourself instead of validation from others.” I found myself wrestling with it. I completely agree with the concept that the validation of my worth is not established by the thoughts of others. While I think a positive self image is important, I do not think that it is what really makes me “glow differently.” I hope I glow differently because of whom I believe in, rather than what I believe of myself.  The author of Titus says, “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7) . Love and kindness entered the world in the form of a m...
Post a Comment
Read more

Right In Front of Me

There is one character in the story of the night of Jesus' arrest that sticks out. He seems insignificant to what is happening. He’s almost an interruption in the story. He is only mentioned by name in one of the four gospels, even though the description of what occurred is in all four gospels.  Malchus is his name. He works for the people who want Jesus dead. His job, with his compadres, is to seize Jesus and bring him back to the high priest. There he would be subject to questioning, a trial of sorts.  As Malchus and his posse are approaching, Peter takes action to protect Jesus. “With that, one of Jesus' companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear” (Matthew 26:51). Jesus immediately tells Peter and the rest of his disciples to stop with the violence.  I wonder what Malchus thought at this point. I imagine his was in shock, I would guess he was surprised. He had just been attacked and surely is bleeding ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grits

This past Saturday I got the chance to catch up with my friend at breakfast. We connected months ago over grits, of all things. I learned he really didn't care for grits. Turns out his parents used to make him eat them quite often and in many forms. As he has grown older he's made the conscious decision, he's had enough grits for a lifetime. On the other hand, I really enjoy grits. They are a wonderful breakfast food with butter, salt, and pepper. For dinner, you can't beat some good shrimp and grits. I have a recipe for jambalaya grits that will put a smile on anyone's face. It is like jambalaya meets cheese grits. Yum! My friend and I joke about grits everytime we see each other. I offer him some and he politely refuses. Of course, I respect his wishes and don't give him any grits. How do you offer someone grits? Do you insist they eat and like them because you eat them? Do you put them on their plate anyway? Do you treat them differently bec...
Post a Comment
Read more