Good Intentions

"'I tell you the truth,' Jesus answered, 'today--yes tonight--before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.' But Peter insisted emphatically, 'Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.' And all the others said the same."
Mark 14:30&31

There is an old phrase that says, "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." This certainly could apply in the context of the above scriptures. Jesus had revealed that he was going to be betrayed into the hands of the Jewish religious leaders. Of course, Judas was the one who betrayed him, but Peter wanted all to know that he certainly would not betray Jesus. I believe that Peter said this with all sincerity. He believed in his own heart that he was willing to die with his master. But the coming night would tell a different story.
    Jesus was betrayed into the hands of the chief priests. Judas had already agreed to do it. In the garden of Gethsemane, it happened. He was arrested and taken to stand before the council. Left outside in the courtyard was Peter. After being asked three different times if he was a follower of Jesus, he denied it. The prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled and Peter wept bitterly. Peter wasn't the only one to deny and desert Jesus. All those who were following him also left. When Jesus was taken before the religious jury, he stood alone.
    I know that all of us have said the same thing to Jesus as Peter did. We have declared our loyalty to him. But when the pressure is on, do we remain faithful to our promise? For most of us, it is relatively easy to live a Christian life. We are not persecuted, we do not face the death sentence if we declare our faith in Christ. Yet even in this non-threatening environment, we sometimes cower. Like Peter, we deny our allegiance to Jesus. Fortunately, our failed intentions do not need to lead us to hell. The day Jesus died on the cross, the way was made for us to live, in spite of our failures. Peter experienced it, and we experience it today. It is the precious salvation of our lives that Jesus purchased at the cross.
    There are many who have remained true to their promise. The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, endured hardship and persecution even unto death. There are many places in the world that still persecute those who profess their relationship with Christ. And yes, some die for their faith. How can we be so weak that we would deny him when we live in a place of freedom? We are not threatened, but our commitment sometimes lacks depth. Jesus has never forsaken us and he never will. Our covenant relationship with him requires us to be faithful. Let us live in love with Jesus. Let us lift his name high. Let us declare his majesty to all mankind. It is not a time to fail in our good intentions, it is the time to follow him with all our strength. And if we are ever called to give account of our faith in the courts of men, he will stand with us.