By: Rex Stump
Wauseon, Ohio
It was a tough night…for everyone. Jesus was betrayed, falsely accused, and arrested by a large contingent of soldiers and temple guards. Where were the disciples, his close companions, and trusted followers? They ran! (Mark 14:50)
But we read that as they took Jesus to the high priest’s home, Peter and John followed from a distance. They later found themselves in the courtyard of Caiaphas, listening in on the bogus trial of Jesus. Here Peter denied knowing Jesus three times.
Put yourself in the shoes of Peter. Have you ever miserably failed? You meant well, you had great intentions, but in the end you caved. In that moment, how did you feel?
Ashamed? Frustrated? Angry? How did you respond? Did you walk away or did you make the attempt to fix things? I want to encourage you, it’s not too late to stand for Jesus!
Take time to read in the Bible, Acts chapters 3 and 4. Peter and John were on their way to pray at the temple. They met a man lame since birth, begging for money. Peter and John gave him more than money, they healed him!
It was an incredible moment as this man received what he needed. This led to an opportunity to share the Good News of the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ to the surrounding crowd! Peter delivered a powerful message.
This whole scene should have been a celebration, but it turned into another debacle of accusation and anger by the religious leaders. Peter and John were arrested and told not to ever do this again. But Peter and John stood their ground!
Two who ran in the garden, hid in the courtyard, were now firmly standing for Jesus Christ. A short time later they were again sharing of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and once again they were in trouble.
This time the religious leaders had them flogged! Just like Jesus, a cruel and horrific punishment, bringing the victim to the brink of death.
What did Peter and John do? Bleeding, suffering…they rejoiced! Compelled by the love of God and their faith in Jesus, they would never run again. They stood their ground!
I’m inspired by the boldness and courage of Peter and John. Despite letting Jesus down in the garden, they would never make that same mistake again. Empowered by God’s Spirit, they would stand up for the name of Jesus. How about us?
Are we willing to be laughed at, bullied, or isolated because of our faith in Jesus? Stand strong! He died for us…we can stand for Him!
“Stay strong, stay focused…stay faithful!”
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Rex Stump is the Area Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and serves as a Pastor at True North Church in Wauseon, Ohio.