Have you ever been in denial about something? I know I have. Websters Dictionary defines the word denial as the act of declaring something to be untrue. As I was pondering on the thought of denial I was taken with two men in the Bible who denied Christ and had very different outcomes.
Peter was one of the first followers of Christ. He was probably one of the most outspoken disciples who was referred to as a “pillar of the church”. Peter was a natural born leader. He left everything behind to follow Jesus Christ. I guess I would say Peter was part of the “inner circle” and was the disciple who left the boat to walk on the water to Jesus only to begin to sink when he took his eyes off of the Lord. The thing Peter is probably most remembered for is denying Christ.
Christ warned Peter that before the rooster would crow three times he would deny him. “Jesus answered, I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times that you know me.” Luke 22:34 NIV Peter did deny Christ three times that day.
The next man is Judas. He was another follower of Christ who was the treasurer. He denied Christ by disclosing Jesus’ whereabouts to the chief priests and elders for 30 pieces of silver. At the Last Supper Judas identifies Jesus with a kiss. It is known as the “Kiss of Betrayal”.
Two men, both denied Christ with two totally different outcomes. Peter’s example of denying Christ demonstrates such Godly sorrow. It is only through his remorse and repentance that he was restored to complete and total faith and service in Christ. Judas became biter and took his own life. Peter’s example pushed HIM closer to Christ because he was truly repentful. It makes me feel encouraged not because I have denied Christ, but because of Godly sorrow and God’s forgiveness I can walk in that freedom and continue learning through the deliverance in Christ!
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