Read John 13:36-38
Holy Spirit – Empower Me.
Jesus was going to the cross and to get there he would face a lot of persecution. Peter wanted to follow Jesus, not really knowing what he would be going through. Basically, Jesus said, for now you cannot follow me (to the cross), but later, you will follow me (after Jesus’s resurrection).
But Peter, being over zealous responds by saying, I will follow you. I will even lay down my life for you. Jesus gave him a harsh reality, saying, actually Peter, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.
I appreciated Peter’s passion for wanting to follow Jesus, but he didn’t really know what would be happening if he did follow him. But Jesus knew Peter wouldn’t follow him completely, at least, not at first. But Jesus knew later on, when the Holy Spirit would come upon Peter, that he would follow Jesus, even unto death.
How’s your faith walk? Are you aware of the commitment God is calling you to? Are you willing to follow Jesus even if it means death? Or are you very protective of your spirit and don’t want to face any opposition or persecution? Are you quick to deny Jesus, or are your feet planted deep in the soil of Christ and there’s no way you’ll ever deny him?
Peter was ready to follow Jesus no matter what, but Jesus knew he couldn’t do it without the Holy Spirit which Peter would receive after Jesus’s resurrection.
Are you walking in the spirit or walking in the flesh? If you’re walking in the flesh, you’ll deny Jesus every time. If you’re walking in the spirit, you are willing to die if that is what is required of you.
Lord Jesus, empower me with your Holy Spirit! Not just so I can boldly and confidently share Jesus with others, but empower me so I’m willing to even go to the cross for you. Empower me with your Holy Spirit! I need you! In Jesus name, amen.
