John 13:37-38

Oh, the folly of self-ignorance! Isn’t it easy to overestimate our own abilities and conduct? I am the worst about the “I can do it myself” mentality. God has to constantly remind me that I am wearing myself out and it is getting me nowhere fast! I often neglect God’s wonderful provision in the gift He has given me in the Body of Christ – those that He brings into my life that are far better equipped with God’s gifts to do things I am simply unable or unqualified to do - no matter how hard I may try! “We need each other” is a good reminder and one that God is constantly whispering into my ear. We were not made to be islands. When each part of the body is allowed to diligently put forth their gifts the world runs much smoother! We would do well to remember the Words God spoke after He had created Adam:

18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." Gen 2:18 (NIV)

Solomon also tells us:
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Eccl 4:9-12 (NIV)

In our verses for today Peter demonstrates an over-confidence in his own abilities by making a daring protest regarding his constancy. He could not conceive of any scenario or situation in which he would stoop so low as to disown the Lord Jesus. His sincerity and affections were clearly evident; he loved Jesus greatly and banked his words and actions on his feelings. He was confident that his love was up to any challenge – even death. Yet Peter did not know his own heart or the satanic power he would soon discover himself up against. Jesus tells us in Luke:

31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 (NIV)

We must be ever aware of the tactics of our adversary as well as the depravity of our hearts. In our emotional zeal we can perhaps jump the gun and overestimate our courage, abilities and steadfastness. Scripture gives us the following sobering thought regarding our hearts:

9 The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? 10 "I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve." Jer 17:9-10 (NIV)

“Self is the opaque veil that hides the face of God from us.” A. W. Tozer

We must continually pray for humility and beware of proclaiming our over-confidence and steadfastness. Pride always leads to a downfall. Remember Scripture tells us that with humility comes wisdom yet pride goes before disgrace and destruction:

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Prov 11:2 (NIV)

18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Prov 16:18 (NIV)

“Such as are haughty and self-conceited, rush against the mighty hand of God, and destroy themselves; but those that are humbled under it, will be protected by the same. Whatever knowledge or skill we may obtain in the schools of human learning, the Scripture does not yet allow us to be truly wise, but calls us blind and mere worldly students, till we learn to be poor in spirit, lowly in heart, and dead to the world. Therefore, the more a man dies to this world, the more is he enlightened.” K. H. Von Bogatzky

Certainly Peter’s fall was all the more painful for him when he recalled his zealous insistence that he would never stoop to do such a thing as disown the Lord. The most confident in the flesh are most always the least safe. It is a hard pill to swallow when we say we would never do something yet that is the very thing we end up doing. That had to be piercing to Peter.

Jesus’ response to Peter’s declaration also had to have taken Peter by surprise (as well as the other disciples!). In effect our Lord tells Peter that he knew very little of his feebleness and weaknesses. He tells him he will not only refuse to lay down his life for Him but will even cowardly deny knowing Him - not once but three times. Our Lord’s Words must have cut Peter to the quick. If he had not been so sure of himself perhaps he would have paid attention to Jesus’ words of warning and by heeding His Words, prevented his downfall. Instead, Peter ignorantly defends his forthcoming actions. We would do well to remember what Scripture tells us:

6 Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Prov 27:6 (NIV)