May 24, 2016

“Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.”  Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.” John 18:15-18

The last devotion I mentioned a “secret” menu that exists at a local coffee establishment. Another drink they have on the “secret” menu is a “Black Eye”, which like the Red Eye is regular coffee, but instead of just one shot of espresso the “Black Eye” has two shots of espresso added to the regular coffee. These must be some jittery coffee drinkers. I have also heard that drinks from the “secret menu” are not supposed to be called out from the coffee bar – I guess they have things that they want to keep hidden for some reason or another – sort of the same way Peter would have liked to remain hidden at the time of Jesus’ arrest and trial. Peter is called out by one of the local by-standers as he awaits the fate of Jesus, and this makes him really nervous. He is afraid that if he is identified as one of Jesus’ followers, he too may be arrested and put on trial.

Have you ever found yourself wanting to hide the fact that you are a follower of Jesus? How did you feel afterward? Did you feel as if you had a black eye afterward – or literally had given Jesus a black eye? Are you with me…..can I get an Amen? One of the more difficult parts of being a follower of Jesus is learning how to be a follower each and every day – on those days where we are burned out, and the days where we are afraid. But remember this: just like Peter is redeemed by Jesus for denying him, Jesus also redeems us even before we deny him, or desert him. Jesus calls us out, not to embarrass us, but to remind us that G-d loves us so much we are forgiven even before we act, or refuse to act. And that reality should sustain us and compel us to stand up for Jesus – even if it gets us a black eye.

Pastor Dave