They stood by Him for three years.  The One who called them was like none other they’d ever known.  Following Him left no question.  He was charismatic yet gentle.  His voice held confidence.  His mission seemed so important to them.  They leaned on His every word.

Yet, when push came to shove, and the leaders of the Sanhedrin came to arrest Him, they scattered like cockroaches when the light goes on in a cheap hotel.  To think that one of His own would fall victim to the love of money and sell out his leader.  How could rock solid Peter deny Him three times?  Peter was the one who  promised to do anything for his Lord including dying for Him?

It’s easy to sit back and judge these fellows for their inconsistent behavior, but we’re just as guilty when we set ourselves above others – when we don’t truly follow His plan for our lives – when we decide we know better than He does – when we don’t help and serve others out of love –  when we pretend to be good people even though our thoughts and deeds are filled with ugliness – we are denying and betraying our Savior.

We’re as guilty as those who spat upon Him. We go through life thinking we’re in charge of our own destiny.  We fall apart when things don’t go our way.  We give up, give in and give away the only One who saves us from ourselves and from the devil.

Every time we think we can manage our lives without His help, we’re spitting in His face.  When we cave at the first sign of failure or struggle without cause, we’re pounding the nails into His hands and feet.  When we ignore all the truth of the Bible, we’re closing our ears to God’s magnificent voice.  We separate ourselves from the glorious gift of salvation when we ignore His words.

We need His strength, His courage, His selflessness, His love and His hand guiding us down the road  to heaven. He paid the price while we reap the benefits.

Help me, Lord to remember the trials and suffering you endured on my behalf. Forgive me for not always following your footsteps. When I am weak, you carry me. When I fall, you lift me up. My life will not be perfect until I get to my heavenly home, but I know that with you I can endure all things while I still walk this earth. Amen!