I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if Eve had not messed up I may have. Whenever food is in question, I often make poor choices.

However, when I read the following Scripture, I was not so understanding.

“ ‘Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.’

“Peter replied, ‘Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!’ Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter.

“Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: ‘Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.’ And he went outside and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:54-62

From the comfort of the couch, I shook my head as I read these words and mentally cast a disapproving look toward Peter. Peter watched Jesus preach. He heard Jesus teach. He saw the miracles of His Master. Yet, he not only failed to defend his friend, he denied ever even knowing Jesus.

I can’t believe that Peter could do something like that. Deny Jesus? Not I, Lord. At least I don’t think I would. Well, I hope that I would stand up for You, Jesus. No, I would never act like Peter… would I, Jesus? Would I deny knowing You? Have I ever denied knowing You?

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that I have denied knowing Jesus. When I say I’ve forgiven someone, yet continue to dwell on the hurt, I am denying knowing the power of Jesus’ forgiveness. I am denying knowing Jesus.

I know of His provisions, yet when faced with a financial hurdle, if I worry instead of pray, I’m denying that I trust Jesus with the solution to my problem. I’m denying that I know He will provide.

And I know of Him as Savior, Redeemer and the answer to all of my needs. Yet, when I withhold this knowledge from those around me who are struggling, I’m denying Him. I’m denying knowing Jesus.

So, I have denied Jesus. And when I realize that He has seen each and every time that I have denied Him, I can suddenly relate to Peter… and I weep bitterly.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.