Daily Worship

Denial

Laura Digan April 06, 2023 2 1
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Luke 22: 54-62 (NRSVA)

54 Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, ‘This man also was with him.’ 57 But he denied it, saying, ‘Woman, I do not know him.’ 58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, ‘You also are one of them.’ But Peter said, ‘Man, I am not!’ 59 Then about an hour later yet another kept insisting, ‘Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.’ 60 But Peter said, ‘Man, I do not know what you are talking about!’ At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.’ 62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

In my late teens I thought I was dating a guy. It was someone I worked with. In my excitement I told my friends and work colleagues about it. Now some of these women I worked with really didn’t like me and so they went to question this guy about it as he hadn’t told them about us dating. Do you know what?

He denied that we were dating!

I was so humiliated. I can still remember the humiliation now.

Needless to say, I did not go out with him again! But the humiliation left a mark on me, left me distrustful, made me feel worthless.

When Peter denies Jesus, my heart breaks for Jesus. He knew it would happen but I can feel the pierce in the heart. Here is someone he loved and mentored denying him, in the hour he needs his support most.

 

PRAYER:

 

Lord, give me the strength and courage to always stand up for you.

Give me the strength and courage to profess my faith.

Give me the strength and courage to share my story of your transforming love.

Give me the strength and courage to go where you go.

Amen

Lent Disciplines

LENT FOCUS 6: PRESENCE

Each day this week we will meditate on presence, focusing on a different aspect of the narrative of Holy Week daily.

MAUNDY THURSDAY Reflect on Peter’s presence in the courtyard (see Luke 22: 54-62).