Speak Out for Jesus

I was reading today in the Gospel of Mark, chapter 14. The end of the chapter recounts Peter denying Jesus 3 times before the rooster crowed twice. Jesus predicted it ahead of time but Peter vehemently told Jesus that he would never deny him. But then he did. As soon as the rooster crowed the 2nd time, Peter wept. Peter screwed up. But how is that different from us.

I'm trying to remember a time where I denied Christ. I get a sense, not a real memory, that I was afraid of being laughed at or called a hypocrite. I could be gallant and claim I was trying to get the focus off of Jesus because He wasn't the one that messed up. It was me. I don't know. Maybe I thought if I distanced myself from Jesus, then Jesus would look better. Jesus didn't need a spokesperson like me. Peter could have been afraid for his life. They were going to kill Jesus. What would they do to him?

But there isn't a good reason to deny Jesus. I CAN be a spokesperson about what Jesus has done for me in spite of my sin and imperfections. Jesus doesn't need me to protect His reputation. He can handle it all. Sometimes people need to know that there are imperfect people like me out there struggling each day and that Jesus can be counted on to hold us up. If we don't share our issues, people can't relate.

Speak out for Jesus more! He will give you the words.  

Luke 12:12
"For the Holy Spirit will teach
you at that time what you should say."

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