There he was, standing before Jesus. Peter had just finished the newly instituted ordinance of the Lord's supper. The disciples, minus Judas...the traitor, gathered around to sing a song together. When they finished singing, Jesus led them all to the mount of Olives. Peter could tell that something was on the mind of His Savior. Finally, when they reached the Mount of Olives, Jesus turned around to talk to His disciples. These were the faithful ones. These were the ones that had been with Jesus during these three years of His ministry.
As Jesus turned and faced the disciples, He began to tell them that the event that they were about to witness that night would leave these eleven disciples running away from the One whom they had followed all these years. Peter was pretty worked up and told Jesus that he would never be offended by being in the presence of the Lord. Jesus then looked Peter in the eyes and singled him out. Peter, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice (three times).
Peter was appalled and said that he would never deny the Savior and that to the death he would follow Him.
Just hours later, Peter sat outside of the court, where Christ was being hammered by the unjust court, and there he denied his Lord. Not once, not twice, but three times...just as Jesus had said would happen. (*Reference Matt. 26 to follow along*)
Where did Peter go wrong? He literally just said that night that he would follow Christ to the death, he even drew his sword and went to battle for Jesus...and now he doesn't even know the Man?
When you distance yourself from the Savior, there is no telling how low you will go.
Matthew 26:57a & 58a: And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away...but Peter followed him afar off.
When Peter decided to leave the presence of the Lord, that is when his denial began.
Teens, when you distance yourself from the Lord, there is no telling how low you will go.
Here is our theme verse for today. As a disciple (a following learner) of Christ, here is the secret to staying close to Christ:
John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples.
If ye continue literally means to remain or abide. The secret is a constant remaining in the Word of God. As you remain in the presence of Christ, you will have the boldness of Peter to fight to the death. The moment that you decide to leave, you will lose that boldness and there is no telling what you will find yourself doing.
How are you doing with your daily walk with Christ? Are you remaining in Him? Did you spend time with Him today? Are you finding yourself willing to draw your sword for Christ, or following Him afar off?
Devotions (time spent with the Savior) is a daily discipline to keep us in the presence of the One Who loves us so much!
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