FAITH CAPSULE: Have you taken to the route of denying Jesus just as Peter did?

Luke 22:31-65

Whenever a believer begins to have reasons to keep distance from God, it becomes evident that such believer is set to deny Jesus. It is important to note that coming to church is not coming Christ. Many come to church and plant crisis because of their distance to Christ. Peter walked with Jesus, ate with Jesus and was touched by Jesus. Above all, Peter witnessed many undeniable miracles performed by Jesus, yet he denied Jesus. Have you taken to the route of denying Jesus just as Peter did? The challenge is the fact that determination will not keep man from denying Jesus but prayer is the only way out not to deny Jesus.
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, the only One that sees perfectly into the future prayed for Peter after seeing into the future that Peter was going to deny Him. The Bible recorded Jesus word to Peter, “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.  But I have prayed for you; that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32) Peter, trusting in his strength and determination responded to Jesus stating, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both to prison and to death.” (Luke 22:33) Are you a determined believer? Determination will not be enough to keep you from denying Him in these days of grueling challenges and incessant tempting pressures against believers.

Truly, prayer is the only key to believer’s preservation and deliverance. If Jesus had not prayed for Peter, it would have been a different story for Peter. Jesus was actually right when He admonished His disciple stating, “…Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:40) What He says to one speaks to us. Just as the disciples’ needed prayer against temptation, today’s believers are not without exception for the need of prayer.
Just as predicted by Jesus, Peter actually kept distance from Jesus when there was a need for him to be closer to Jesus. It is written, “Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance.  Now when they had kindled a fire in the midst of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.  And a certain servant girl, seeing him as he sat by the fire, looked intently at him and said, “This man was also with Him.”(Luke 22:54-56) Besides the truth that Peter followed at distance, he also stepped out of his commitment to Jesus to a spot of convenience of warmth from a kindled fire. When he was identified as one of Jesus’ disciples he vehemently denied Jesus. Are you taking a distanced position from Jesus?

Prayer for today: Ask Him to draw you nearer so you do not end up denying Him. Ask that your faith will not fail.