Joni And Friends 4 April 2024 Devotional Message
Joni and Friends 4 April 2024 Devotional Thursday Message. As you study today’s devotional, remember this; “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
TOPIC: A True Disciple
A little later someone else saw him and said, ‘You also are one of them.’ ‘Man, I am not!’ Peter replied.” – Luke 22:58
Peter’s denial is a well-known story. It heightens the drama of the Crucifixion. It underscores the forsaken nature of Christ’s death. And more importantly it serves as a vivid reminder of the ability in all of us to deny our Savior. Dr. Craig Barnes, in his book Yearning, points out, however, that Peter’s denial was not a lie but rather the truth.
Why does Peter fail? Is he a coward? Apparently not. Earlier that same night Peter went charging with a sword into the crowd that arrested Jesus. It’s doubtful that Peter denies Jesus because he is afraid of dying. I think Peter denies he is a disciple because it is the truth.
He knows now that Jesus is going to a cross. From the start Jesus has been determined to go there. Peter has tried hard to save him from the cross, to talk him out of it, even raising his sword in an act of heroism. But Jesus has turned his face toward the cross, and there is no turning him back. Peter simply cannot follow Jesus to the cross. So he takes his place by the fire with those who have taken Jesus captive. The questions just keep coming: “Are you a disciple?” The truth is finally out: “No. No. No.” This isn’t Peter’s moment of denial. It is his moment of confession. He is not a disciple. He never has been. What he has been following is not Jesus, but his expectations of Jesus.
The day we recognize the difference between our expectations of Jesus and the real Jesus is the first day of our journey as a true disciple. Tell the truth. Have you been a disciple of eternal security or of Jesus the King of Heaven? Have you been a disciple of civility or of Jesus the Holy One? Have you been a disciple of warmth and fellowship or of Jesus the True Love?
Don’t be afraid of the truth. Jesus firmly and tenderly restored Peter to the status of a true disciple and then commissioned him to shepherd other disciples.
Lord Jesus, crucify every false expectation of who you are. Make me a disciple who confesses the truth and then confesses you, without fear.
READ MORE TOPICS: OPEN HEAVENS, OUR DAILY BREAD, IN TOUCH, SEEDS OF DESTINY, STREAMS OF JOY, JOEL OSTEEN, MOUNTAIN TOP LIFE, DCLM DAILY MANNA, UCB WORD FOR TODAY