SCRIPTURE:
“The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.”
Because it was cold, the household servants and the guards had made a charcoal fire. They stood around it, warming themselves, and Peter stood with them, warming himself.”
John 18:17-18
OBSERVATION:
The plan of God is in motion, no turning back now.
Peter, who already reacted with violence in trying to defend his Master, is now moving amongst the crowds making their way toward the house of the high priest.
Despite trying to “blend in”, a woman recognizes Peter and upon asking him, Peter denies even knowing Jesus. First denial.
It’s chilly and cold. A fire is being made and the servants and guards are warming up.
Peter has a choice to make; stay incognito and be cold, or move closer to the enemies of Jesus, and warm up and be toasty comfy.
Peter chose the comfort of the enemy.
APPLICATION:
Today we are surrounded by enemies of Jesus.
They offer up warmth, but they also offer up acceptance, promises, title, status, popularity, and other things treasured by humans.
To stand on the side of Jesus may mean we will choose discomforts; bitter cold, rejection, insults, missing out, being left behind, generally things considered miserable by people. Some have suffered worse things.
But to those who choose Jesus; “that I might know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, that I might attain to the resurrection of the dead.” (Paul, Philippians 3:10-11)
To those who choose to suffer, be the power and glory of God; maybe not in this lifetime, but surely in eternity.
It’s worth it.
PRAYER:
Thank You Jesus for the lessons we learn from You and Your disciples.
May I always choose suffering with You, over the comfort of the enemy. Amen.
