Memorise: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor
standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Psalms 1:1
Read: Luke 22:54-60, 54 Then took they him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off.
55 And when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the hall, and were set down together, Peter sat down among them.
56 But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
57 And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
58 And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
59 And
about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying,
Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
60 And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
Bible in one year: 2nd Samuel 19:16-20:26, Proverbs 13:15-14:3
MESSAGE
The
company you keep determines who you are, what you do, and how you
respond to situations in life. The story was told of a sparrow that got
trapped together with ravens that were caught devouring a grain
farmland. He pleaded with the farmer who owned the trap to release him.
“Why should I release you”, the farmer asked. “Because I am not a raven
but a sparrow that cannot devour your farm” the sparrow replied. “How
come you were caught with the ravens?”, “I was only trying to enjoy
their company” the raven replied. “So, you are being judged because of
the company you were in” the farmer concluded.
The
story in our Bible reading of today is pathetic. Many things could have
been responsible for Peter’s denial of Jesus, however, let us look at
some probable factors. Firstly; the Bible says when they brought Jesus
into the high priest’s house;
Peter followed Him, but afar off. It is dangerous to follow Jesus afar
off. Moreover, because it was cold, Peter moved into the hall and sat
down with those that were enjoying the warmth of the fire that was set.
It is unfortunate today that some so-called believers are enjoying the
fire or the warmth of sin in the bosom of strange men and women.
“Blessed
is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth
in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful”
Psalms 1:1
Peter,
forgetting that he had the identity of a Galilean, sat in the midst of
the residents of Jerusalem and his identity was found out. Many pretend
as if they are not Christians, they easily conform to the comfort zones
of this world. Whereas, the Bible says:
“And
be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing
of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and
perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:3
Peter
did not notice that his location was not good enough for him to
maintain his obligation of discipleship to Jesus Christ. And when he was
confronted about being a disciple of Jesus, he denied it to the point
of swearing.
Beloved,
let us learn from Peter’s mistakes, following Jesus from afar off is
very dangerous to our spiritual life. We must not patronise spiritual
unhealthy zones, no matter how attractive the place may be. We will be
judged by the company we keep.
Prayer Point
Father, please help me never to deny you however tough the trial may be.
