A Disciple’s Commitment #152

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.

The disciple has forsaken all and committed their life to follow after Christ. In the Garden of Gethsemane, they will face the greatest temptation that will challenge their commitment, the betrayal, denial, and crucifixion of Christ.

Jesus said to Peter, this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice, then Petersaid, I should die with thee, yet will I not deny thee. Likewise also said all the disciples, even though Jesus warned them to Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation, but they were weak, tired, and went to sleep instead. In the evening, Judah Iscariot came and betrayed Jesus, and fear quickly spread among the disciples. Fear had gripped their hearts, and afraid for their lives, all the disciples forsook him and fled. Unprepared for the situation, they crumbled under the temptation and gave into fear.

Afraid, Peter hid among the crowd, but they recognized him and accused him of being a disciple of Christ, and instantly he denied knowing Him. They had walked with Jesus for over three years, seen miracles, heard His messages, and in the end, they turned their backs on Him. While Peter was speaking, the rooster crowed, and immediately he remembered what the Lord told him. Under heavy conviction, Peter went out and wept bitterly.

God knew the hearts of the disciples and had foreseen their denial, yet Jesus prayed for them. I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine. We will never know how much Jesus loves us until we see the depths of our sins. The revelation of our sins makes His mercies and grace precious in our site. It’ll keep us humble as He increases and we decrease. The righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. We live by faith, knowing His unconditional and unwavering love will never fail.

Brethren, there will come a time when our commitment to follow after Christ will be challenged and shaken, but do not be afraid. The Lord has foreseen it, and He has already prayed for us. Crises are often necessary to strip our self-righteousness and arrogance away, keeping us humble before God. I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Mat 26:34, Mat 26:35, Mat 26:41, Lk 22:62, Jh 17:9, Ro 1:17, Gal 2:20

KJV