ARE YOU FAITHFUL?

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Matthew 26:34-35,74-75

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”

“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.

Peter swore, “A curse on me if I’m lying—I don’t know the man!” And immediately the rooster crowed.

Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.” And he went away, weeping bitterly.


It is all so exciting, you feel so passionate and on top of the game till you meet opposition, threat or persecution. 


1 Corinthians 10:11-12

These things happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us who live at the end of the age.

If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.


Peter was so sure of his faithfulness to the Messiah, he and the other disciples swore that they would neither deny Him or leave Him alone, even in the face of death, however they did. 


Let us look at it closely:


They had not received the Holy Spirit in full, but was this an excuse? No. 


Listen to three men of an older record:


Daniel 3:15-18

I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”


What is the difference? 


Daniel 2:17-18

Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened.

He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon.


Contrast with:

Matthew 26:37-38,43

He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and he became anguished and distressed.

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

When he returned to them again, he found them sleeping, for they couldn’t keep their eyes open.


A prayerful believer is a powerful one, for just as Jesus told them, you stay prayerful so as to overcome temptation. 


We have believers who hide so as to avoid persecution, they cannot openly declare their faith, neither do they do the work of the Lord because of fear. Not all live in places where the faith has been proscribed by the governing authorities. Yet even when there is a form of liberty many cannot do the will of the Lord. 


Why then should we expect a reward?  


James 1:12

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.


*How many times have we denied Him by our actions that neither show His character or show that we are His? For the bible records that He went about doing good, what do we go about doing? Selah*


We can boast all we like, however our strength is really tested in the times of trouble. This is why we must always put on the full armour and continue in prayers. 


Are you known to be His, or have you sworn that you are NOT His? 


Remember, 

2 Timothy 2:12

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.


Glory to God we are not of those who draw back, we remain faithful. So help us Good Lord. 


He calls us blessed. 


Love

@the watcher

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