Nougat 12

As the recipient of boundless grace, what do we do with it? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“Peter had to stay outside the gate. Then the disciple who knew the high priest spoke to the woman watching at the gate, and she let Peter in. The woman asked Peter, “You’re not one of that man’s disciples, are you?” “No,” he said, “I am not.”” ‭‭John‬ ‭18:16-17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Had you not known the outcome of Peter’s situation; what outcome would you expect?

As I prepared yesterday’s nougat, I could not help but notice the stark fact of Peter’s denial. It comes in the face of the other disciple’s generosity. Mark you, we don’t know whether that disciple was one who publicly acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah. For, if he had, then Peter’s response was not only betrayal, but it was also foolhardy. It was only a matter of time for his identity to be discovered. People talk and someone would have made the connection.

Furthermore, Truth is Truth. When we attempt to dilute the Truth, we know that there are repercussions. Especially when the Truth is revealed. Thank God, Peter’s lie didn’t result in his immediate arrest or execution.

Then there are the ‘what ifs’ – that is scenarios which help place things in perspective. My what if relates to Peter and that other disciple – what if someone connected them as Jesus disciples? Would Peter’s lie have made a difference to the trial or their freedom?

What if the woman’s question was not hostile; asked out of genuine curiosity. What if she, like Nicodemus, was an undercover believer? We’ll never know now.

While those what if’s can’t change Peter’s history; they might change ours. For our decisions in such situations may be rooted in assumptions rather than fact. When placed against the background of the miraculous opening of the gate to the high priestly compound and in light of Jesus’ prophecy, Peter’s action is just as bad as Judas.

Ultimately we must recall –

Life is short

Death is sure

Sin the cause

Only Christ the cure!

We may make a distinction, but in God’s sight – sin is sin, whether we are sell-outs or liars. And there’s only one antidote for sin – God’s grace; ie Jesus.

Before we reward God’s grace with selfish lies; let’s keep our focus, and hopefully not lose our way.

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May all we seek be found in Christ