Acting Contrary To Our Commitments

Wednesday, April 5, 2011 Reading: John 18:12-18 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2018&version=NIV Reflection: While some of the information in this passage, when compared with the other gospels, is difficult to track, there is one thing that is quite clear as I read the text. Under the pressure of pain and rejection, Peter acts contrary to his previous commitments and denies knowing Jesus. Gone is the cocky follower who got out of a boat to walk on water. Gone is the self-confident disciple who claimed that he would die before he would ever deny knowing Jesus. When the pressure is on and Peter is caught off guard in a moment of weakness, his courage faulters and he disowns Jesus in public. While I would like to be hard on Peter and ask, "What in the world is wrong with this spineless man?", the truth of the matter is that I know I struggle with the same temptations. I find myself in a situation where I have the chance to speak for Christ, and due to public pressure or the desire to avoid the pain of ridicule or standing out in the crowd, I shrink back in silence. That silence, when I should speak, is as much of a denial as Peter's words before a servant girl. In both cases, our public identification to Christ and obedience to our calling is denied. So, when we see Peter here, we see a portrait of ourselves. Maybe this is why it is so important to stay connected to Jesus...so that when my flesh grows weak His spirit can give me the strength to stand.