How would I React?

Luke 22:31-34

Do you ever allow your mind to visit the dark place in your thinker?  Like what would I do if this happen, or where would I run to if this happen, or maybe it’s if I was in Peter shoes I would not have done that or I would have done so and so. We would be wise to give attention to these words from our Lord; “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.  (Luke 21:13-15)

In my mind I always have the right answer, but that is before fear and the pride of life comes into play, it’s before I give thought to what others will think of me, it is even before emotions enter the picture.  Will you stop for a moment and give thought to this big fisherman who has many great gifts but also has a problem I can identify with; opening the mouth before giving thought to the questions.  Proverbs 29:20, states this truth; “Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

And what was taking place right before Jesus foretells Peter’s denial; you are 100% correct the disciples are having a dispute over which of them would be regarded as the greatest.  Have you given thought that some of them were saying it’s Peter, he is the one who walked on the water, and it was Peter Jesus took up on the mountain that special night, sure Peter you’re the man.  And do you recall that John the Baptist was standing with two of his disciples and Jesus walked by and John said; “Behold the Lamb of God!”  And the two left John and followed Jesus, and one of them was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother and he went and found Simon and said, “We have found the Messiah” (which means the Christ).  And he brought Simon to Jesus, and Jesus looked at him and said, “So you are Simon the son of John?  You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).

But on this day Jesus did not address him as Peter, He addressed him by his old name, “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”  (Luke 22:31-32 ESV)  Simon is the old man or the flesh, Simon looks to self and not to God, Simon is strong and can run a business, but it is Peter the rock that will be the man God will use to do great things. 

Now I have no doubt Peter believed his reply to Jesus; “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”  Peter believed he had answered Jesus from his heart, but that is before fear and the pride of life came into play, it’s before he gave thought to what others would think of him, it is even before his emotions came into the picture.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice