Scripture:
“Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, ‘This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.’
He denied it again, with an oath: ‘I don’t know the man!’” (Matthew 26:71-72)
Reading:
“Did you eat the last cookie?”
“Uh, no,” mumbled the child with the cookie crumb lips.
Self-preservation. Sometimes it benefits us, other times not so much. It is inspired by fear, and fear is a lousy guide.
I bet the apostle Peter’s mother would have described her impulsive boy as anything but fearful. Think about how he responded to Jesus throughout the gospels. When Jesus called, Peter immediately followed. When Jesus called, Peter walked on water. When Jesus called, Peter proclaimed, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matt. 16:16)
Yet at the end of Jesus’ ministry, when fear called, Peter denied knowing Jesus. Instead of being confident and courageous, Peter succumbed to self-preservation. “He denied it again, with an oath: ‘I don’t know the man!’” (Matt. 26:71-72)
Remember, this is the disciple who led the way in declaring he would die with Jesus. “Peter said to him, ‘Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.’” (Matt. 26:35)
Like Peter, we have all turned away from God at some point. But do you know who did not turn away and choose self-preservation in the face of fear? Jesus, the Son of God, who could have called upon thousands of angels to rescue Him (Matt. 26:53). He chose to not save Himself, but rather submitted to death to save you.
When fear draws you away from being a friend of Jesus, suggesting you had better save yourself, what should you do? What is a better way to respond when your own dreams are crucified?
Look up from your day to see it is Jesus who cares for you in the middle of the madness. Like Peter He is looking at you, knows every detail, and loves you, calling you by name. Praise God for moments that reveal you cannot save yourself. Your Savior is Christ alone.
Your Turn:
1. When has fear tempted you to back away from Jesus?
2. As Jesus awaited Peter on a beach to restore him in His love, the Lord is always there for you. How will you respond?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant saving grace. Please strengthen me as a friend of Jesus when I am tempted to turn away in fear. I ask for Your guidance and strength. I love you, Lord. Amen.