INFLUENCE OR INFLUENCED
Matt 27 v 71
71When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.” 74Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”
Peter of course had boldly said, “Lord I am willing to die with and for you.” It’s amazing how the little, unexpected things can take us out, just like the lowly servant girl frightening the big, tough fisherman with her questions.
Next Peter denies Jesus by an oath. How often do we hear that? We know the right things to say, but our actions don’t match. Peter had the Christian lingo, but once recognized and accused, he began to swear, speak and act like them. Then the rooster crowed and Peter wept bitterly outside. What God said came to pass, as His word always does.
Let’s be bold and unashamed of the gospel. Jesus always had more influence on the people around Him than they had on Him. Be a Holy influence - not in the courtyard heading to the gate, ending up on the outside. Let’s be close to Jesus.
It starts by staying close to Him and confessing that He is Lord.