My Denial

"Then seizing (Jesus), they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. But when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said,"This man was with him." But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. A little later someone else saw him and said, "You also are one of them." "Man, I am not!" Peter replied. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly." (Luke 22:54-62 NIV).

What do people think when they look closely at me, I wonder? Am I recognized as someone who follows Christ? Could I be accused of being 'one of them'? Do my actions speak loudly of being a believer?  I wonder.

I think back at the times I didn't help someone reach an item in the grocery store. Or a time when I rushed by someone who was struggling with small children. I remember a time when I saw a young woman in a beat-up car in a parking lot and considered giving her a $20 bill, but I didn't. Did the rooster crow for me?

How many times have I failed to do what God asked of me? I'm ashamed and humbled as I think of it. Peter knows how I feel. Poor Peter, remembered for denying Christ three times. If only I could do better.

But I am a sinner, after all. Jesus can still use me, just as He used Peter. When I recognize my failures and ask for forgiveness, God can use me. He will use me. He will use you, too.

May we examine ourselves closely this Holy Week, in preparation for the joyful Day of Resurrection ahead.