Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Wed.'s Devo - The Examination and the Denial

Read John 18:12-18
To be the spotless Passover lamb Jesus had to be examined and found spotless. The first to examine him was the high priest and the religious leaders. The high priest was also the first to examine the lamb that they would sacrifice on Passover for the sins of the people. Both Annas and Caiaphas were high priests because the law says that it takes the witness of two to establish something. Caiaphas had told the people that it was good that one man should die for the people. Little did he know how prophetic these words were.
Peter and another disciple followed them and because the other disciple knew the high priest he was able to gain entrance into the palace. Peter, however, stood at the door and waited there. The young girl who kept the door recognized Peter as one of Jesus' disciples and asked him if he was. Peter answered, "I am not." This was his first denial.
Some of the servants and officers had made a fire to keep warm so Peter went and stood with them.
It seems silly to deny Jesus to a servant girl who had no power to do anything. Maybe, he though she would report him to the officers. He was so bold in the garden and now his faith had dwindled to fear of a little gatekeeper.
We can all relate. We hear God's plan and are off with power and boldness, then when things don't turn out like we think we melt in a puddle of doubt and fear. The good news is that when Peter got filled with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost he was no longer afraid of anyone and stood up in front of thousands and boldly proclaimed Jesus.
Lord, may we not faint or get weary in waiting for your promises because as surely as the morning, they will come.

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