Pearls from the cross 79

One of the close disciples of Jesus Christ is Peter. Peter was given more responsibility by God when Jesus was lifted to heaven. John Chapter 18 in the Bible talks about Peter encountering some difficult people during the trial of Jesus. John (who loved God dearly) went inside the place where the trial was happening while Peter was standing outside. He knew the situation in the country is not favourable to even say that he knows Jesus.

And this Peter was shown a great miracle by Jesus when he first saw him. In Luke chapter 5 When Peter put the net over the side which Jesus mentioned he got 153 fishes. The number 153 in Hebrew means "He is God". Jesus introduced himself as God at his first encounter with Peter. Here we see Jesus himself saying that Peter will deny thrice. Jesus knew Peter's wavering love for Him. Good for Peter, he repented and loved Jesus and started to stand boldly for Him with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Hey Friend, how are we behaving when someone asks, "Are you with Him(Jesus, the people who love him, His church) ?" Can we boldly stand for Jesus? When we see churches being persecuted around us. People and ministers of God targeted and persecuted can we stand for them or simply deny them. Be bold my friend, our mission fields, local churches and our fellow believers need our prayers and support when persecuted.

Dear Jesus, give us a bold heart to stand for your name and not deny you when we see tough things happening around us. May you always say, "This is my son/daughter who will stand for my name." In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.