Denial into declarations

The Cross

On the evening of Jesus Christ’s trial and crucifixion, Apostle Peter was in a severe state of depression. Hours earlier, Peter had boldly asserted that he would never deny his Master. Yet later, during Christ’s trial, Peter sat crouching in fear, warming himself by a fire. A servant of the high priest’s court approached Peter and for the third time asked if he knew Jesus. Peter simply denied his Lord. Upon his denial, a fowl crowed – fulfilling Jesus word to Peter that he would deny the Lord three times before down. Peter ran out weeping bitterly.

The emotional scars left on Peter’s life must have been devastating. Yet within forty days Peter stood in the Jerusalem temple proclaiming Jesus before three thousand people. This speech took place only one hundred yards from where he had flatly denied Christ as his Lord and Saviour.

What happened? Why the change in Peter? Three days after Peter’s denial, he witnessed the risen Christ Jesus’ love and forgiveness which freed Peter from the emotional scar upon his heart.

You and I are like Peter in many ways. A lot of times we may have denied Jesus, unintentionally or wilfully, choosing not to include Him in our lives. But we are assured with confidence that Jesus Christ has given us His kingdom. There is no sin too great, to severe, or too scary to separate us from the love of God, especially during this season of commemoration of His birth.

Let Jesus Christ’s love turn your denials into declarations of His love and forgiveness for all mankind. Then like Peter, go and proclaim boldly what your Lord has done this yuletide season.

Merry Christmas