This is a troubling passage for me. It's troubling because it so clearly points out that our words and our actions are not always one and the same. In fact, what we say and what we do can be entirely opposite. It speaks to our integrity. Do we do what we promise, or do we not?
Peter made an incredibly bold statement to Jesus. "Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you." (Matt. 14:31) But it wasn't just Peter. "And all of them (the disciples) said the same." But what happens? When Jesus is arrested and put on trial, Peter denies knowing Jesus and all the disciple flee. Fear for their lives trumps their previous commitment. We'll look at those passages om Day 16 and 19.
I've never been in the position where my commitment to Christ has been challenged in such a way. If my very life were on the line, would I hold fast to my confession? Or would I give in to my fear? I have the advantage of living in the time following the resurrection. Unlike the disciples, I know the victory is won. So, I would hope I would stand strong. I hope I would truly trust Christ to give me the strength to do so.
But I also know my words and actions do not always line up as they should. This happens more than I care to admit. So, once again I place my trust in God's grace and forgiveness. In Mark 14:28, Jesus says he will be raised up and go before the disciples to Galilee. This suggests that even though they will all flee, they will receive forgiveness and Jesus will be their leader once again. This is a message of great hope. For although there have been and probably will be times I desert Jesus, he does not desert me. He is risen. He offers grace and forgiveness. He accepts us back so that we are once again able to follow where he leads.
I relate so much to Peter, his enthusiasm for Jesus, his great intentions. Jesus had changed his life and being with Jesus must have been amazing. I am sure he had no idea how tough and frightening things things would become and then how devastated Peter must have been after his denial of knowing Jesus, when he loved him so much. But the hope is that Peter did become the rock of Christ's church after his denials, his faith was deepened and became unshakable. I have times when my faith falters and my life feels like it is falling apart and it takes a lot of discipline to find my way back to Christ. On the other side of these times my faith is strengthened and I know that I can always count on Jesus to be waiting for me when I return to Him.
ReplyDeleteWe all need this reminder that we cannot be strong or faithful on our own.
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