DCLM Daily Manna 13 December 2020 – Peter’s Soft Underbelly
Text: John 18:16-26 (KJV)
16 But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple, which was known unto the high priest, and spake unto her that kept the door, and brought in Peter.
17 Then saith the damsel that kept the door unto Peter, Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples? He saith, I am not.
18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals; for it was cold: and they warmed themselves: and Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.
19 The high priest then asked Jesus of his disciples, and of his doctrine.
20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
21 Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said.
22 And when he had thus spoken, one of the officers which stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, Answerest thou the high priest so?
23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?
24 Now Annas had sent him bound unto Caiaphas the high priest.
25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.
26 One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with him?
Key Verse: “And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. They said therefore unto him, Art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it, and said, I am not.” – (John 18:25)
MESSAGE:
The most valiant of warriors becomes very vulnerable in the enemy’s territory. It is within this domain that he is expected to be most cautious, treading every path with care. Soldiers in warfare are often warned to keep off enemy’s territory as much as possible if they are going to remain safe.
Simon Peter, in our text, found himself within the enemy zone but instead of recalling the initial warning Jesus gave him, he let down his guard, and decided to warm himself in an environment he should have distanced himself. At the end, he did what he promised the Lord he would not do: he denied the Lord.
It was the need to drive off the night’s cold that made Peter to warm himself by the fire kindled by the enemies of the Lord. Christians must beware of keeping company with unbelievers or joining their associations, clubs or societies. Some Christians seek the membership of different clubs, business groups and association in order to “warm” themselves – stay connected and receive needed help or assistance. In the course of this, many have ended up compromising their Christian faith and denying the Lord. While it may not be completely wrong for Christians to belong to professional associations or at times, find themselves in the company of unbelievers, they must at such occasions be on their guard, knowing that temptations to deny the Lord at such times are most rife.
Staying off the enemy’s territory as much as possible is the safest way of keeping safe. To do otherwise is to pitch one’s tent near Sodom, with disastrous consequences.
Thought For The Day: Don’t warm yourself with the enemy’s fire; it is dangerous.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
