Denying Christ?

It was a sombre but powerful evening. At tonight's Maundy service, we reflected on the events leading up to Jesus' Crucifixion; the last supper, Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and his ultimate betrayal by Judas. We read the passage from Matthew 26:20-50 and watched the scenes unfold from the passion of the Christ. When we came to the part about Peter denying Jesus, I couldn't help but recall a piece of prose I've enjoyed.  I have always found it a powerful story, but in light of the events on the night of Christ's betrayal, it has taken on a deeper meaning.

One day I woke early in the morning to watch the sunrise. Ah, the beauty of God's creation is beyond description. As I watched, I praised God for His beautiful work. As I sat there, the Lord brought His Presence on me. He asked me, "Do you love me?" I answered, "Of course, God! you are my Lord and my Saviour!"

Then He asked, "If you were physically handicapped, would you still love me?"  I was perplexed.  I looked down upon my arms, legs, and the rest of my body; and wondered how many things I wouldn't be able to do - The things that I took for granted.  And I answered, "It would be tough, Lord, but I would still love You."

Then the Lord said, "If you were blind, would you still love My creation?" How could I love something without being able to see it? Then I thought of all the blind people in the world, and how many of them still loved God and His creation. So I answered, "It's hard to think of it, but I would still love You."

The Lord then asked me, "If you were deaf, would you still listen to My Word?" How could I listen to anything, being deaf? Then I understood. Listening to God's Word is not merely using our ears, but our hearts.  I answered, "it would be tough, but I would still listen to Your Word."

The Lord then asked, "If you were mute, would you still praise My Name?" How could I praise without a voice? Then it occurred to me, God wants us to sing from our very heart and soul.  It never matters what we sound like. And praising God is not always with a song, but also when we are persecuted. We give God praise with our words of thanks. So I answered, "Though I could not physically sing, I would still praise Your Name."

And the Lord asked, "Do you really love Me?"  With courage and a strong conviction, I answered boldly, "Yes Lord, I love You, because You are the One and True God!" I thought I had answered well, but God asked, "Then why do you sin?" I answered, "Because I am only human. I am not perfect." "Then why in times of peace do you stray the furthest?" "Why only in times of trouble do you pray the earnest?" No answer; only tears.

The Lord continued, "Why only sing at fellowships and retreats? Why seek Me only in times of worship? Why ask things so selfishly? Why ask things so unfaithfully?" The tears continued to roll down my cheek. "Why are you ashamed of Me? Why are you not spreading the Good News? Why in times of persecution, you cry to others, when I offer you My Shoulder to cry on? Why make excuses, when I give you opportunities to serve in My Name?" I tried to answer, but there was no answer to give.

"You are blessed with life. I made you not to throw this gift away. I have blessed you with talents to serve Me, but you continue to turn away. I have stretched forth My Word to you, but you do not gain knowledge. I have spoken to you, but your eyes were turned away. I have sent you My servants, but you sat idly by as they were pushed away. I have heard your prayers, and have answered them all."

"Do you truly love Me?" I could not answer. How could I? I was embarrassed beyond belief. I had no excuse.  What could I say to this? When my heart had cried out, and the tears had flowed, I said,  "Please forgive me, Lord. I am unworthy to be Your child. The Lord answered,"That is My Grace, My child." I asked, "Why do You continue to forgive me? Why do You love me so?" The Lord answered, "Because you are My creation; you are My child. I will never abandon you. When you cry, I will have compassion and cry with you. When you scream in joy, I will laugh with you. When you are down, I will encourage you. When you fall, I will raise you up. When you are tired, I will carry you. I will be with you ‘til the end of the days, and I will love you forever."

Never had I cried so hard before. How could I have been so cold? How could I have hurt God as I had done? I asked God, "How much do You love me?" And the Lord stretched out His Arms, As they were nailed to the cross. I bowed down at the feet of Christ, my Saviour. And for the first time, I truly prayed. ~ Author Unknown

The incredible thing that struck me, is that even after Peter told Jesus that he would never deny Him [Matt  26:31-35] but then ultimately did 3 times, it did not destroy Jesus' trust in or love for Him. The morning of His resurrection - he appeared to Peter. In fact it was upon Peter that Jesus built His church. While our actions at times, leave us denying or worse disowning God, He will never disown His children.  If we turn to Him, His grace is sufficient to forgive us. His love endures forever.