Read Luke 22:54-62
People Are Watching You!
When Jesus was seized and arrested by the guards on the Mount of Olives, the disciples scattered. But Peter followed at a distance. Peter stayed in the courtyard where a fire had been kindled. He sat amongst the others who were sitting there. As he sat there, a servant girl could see Peter in the firelight and said, “This man was with Jesus!” In fear, Peter denied knowing Jesus. A little later, another person said, “You are one of them!” Peter, in fear again, denied being associated with Jesus. An hour later, another person asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with Jesus, for he is a Galilean.” Peter, once again, denied knowing Jesus. At that moment four things happened:
1. A rooster crowed. 2. Jesus and Peter made eye contact. 3. Peter remembered Jesus saying, “You will deny me three times.” 4. Peter left and wept bitterly.
Peter wanted so badly to be a follower of Jesus that he followed him to the courtyard. He wanted to be faithful. Once he was accused of being a follower of Jesus, fear gripped him. But also, people began to watch Peter. Is he with Jesus or isn’t he? Three times he denied the very person he said he wouldn’t.
Fear is not from God. It’s from the devil. Why do we give in to fear? God’s grace is sufficient for us. God’s grace can empower us to face any opposition, any struggle, any accusation, any obstacles. And he can give us confidence and assurance. We can be overcomers! And those who oppose us, don’t be afraid of them and their words. You don’t give an account to your accusers but to God alone. Rest in knowing your lives are in the hands of God. If you fail, even weep bitterly because of it, God’s love and forgiveness is available. He will restore you and renew you. He has a plan reestablished for your life. So follow him in confidence and don’t let your accusers destroy you. Don’t let fear overcome you. The Holy Spirit empowers you to be overcomers and re-established in your faith walk.
