Word from The WORD: September 2011

We all at times in our lives find ourselves in situations when people ignore us or deny association with us, don’t we? People might not want to associate with us, because we aren’t popular and some because we don’t have anything unique to offer or because we are not handsome or beautiful or smart and some because we do not satisfy them. And there are also times when people might ignore us to avoid attracting trouble which might come their way because of associating with us. Whatever may be the reason, being ignored or denied association is hurtful. It is even more hurtful when it is through our closest of friends and family and colleagues. Some even end up as loners people ignore them and some even go to the extent of ending their lives due to depression.

Jesus was denied by those whom He called friends and by the closest of them who even promised that they would not, “Peter said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said the same.” Matthew 26:35 (ESV)”

It were not only His disciples and Peter who denied Him, we too deny Jesus in our everyday affairs by our walk, talk and thought. A fresh and closer look at Peter’s denial of Jesus would not only enlighten us on this issue, but would also point out to areas in our lives where we deny Jesus and would help us to analyse and align ourselves to God.

Some might argue that denial or disassociation is a personality trait. That is, you cannot expect a timid person to associate with someone who is in trouble because of fears of himself being put to trouble. But here, it is Peter, the Point-blank is the one who denies Jesus. The very first disciple who confessed that he will not deny; who even resort to violence to defend Jesus! Many a times we too take up fanatic approaches to defend Christ and Christianity and all the way actually denying His and its essence and purpose; where our defence itself becomes the denial.

And when Christ and the Scripture and other Christians confront us, we might not only resign ourselves from the act of defending but might also go into our own shells, as with the case of Peter and would refuse active participation. I would urge the readers to read the passage Matthew 26:69-75 and Mark 14:66-72 and Luke 22:54-62 and John 18:15-18; 25-27 before going further. A careful reading, observation and interpretation of these passages bring in various perspectives to the denial of Christ in our lives and in our societies, helping us to understand our position.

1. Denying the Allegiance

“But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you mean.”” Matthew 26:70 (ESV)

In this context denying knowledge is denying allegiance – allegiance to Christianity, the faith system and the religion. It is to say “I am not a Christian”. Not willing to divulge to others that you are a Christian – at the workplace or at the neighbourhood. Because such divulgence would demand us to act like a Christian, at least in ways the society thinks of a good Christian – one with good moral behaviour, integrity, etc. If you are not willing to divulge to others that you are a Christian, then you need to check your life – for your priorities and preferences.

The most dangerous condition is when a Christian adorns dual identity – denying the world among Christians and denying Christ and Christian values & ethics among non-Christians and in pluralistic setups. That is, living a hypocritical life. C.S. Lewis in his ‘The Screwtape Letters’ beautifully portrays the life of such a person – “….he can be induced to live, as I have known many human lives, for quite long periods, two parallel lives; he will not only appear to be, but actually be, a different man in each of the circle he frequents….. He can be taught to enjoy kneeling beside the grocer on Sunday just because he remembers that the grocer could not possibly understand the urbane and mocking world which he inhabited on Saturday evening; and contrariwise, to enjoy the bawdy and blasphemy over the coffee with those admirable friends all the more because he is aware of a ‘deeper’, ‘spiritual’ world within him which they cannot understand…. Thus, while being permanently treacherous to at least two sets of people, he will feel, instead of shame, a continual undercurrent of self-satisfaction.”

2. Denying the Person

“And again he denied it with an oath: “I do not know the man.”” Matthew 26:72 (ESV)

Here denying knowledge is denying the person of Jesus Christ and the exclusivity of the gospel. Why am I saying this? Because the servant girl and the people pointing out to Peter’s association only with Jesus and no one else. He was caught up in a position either to claim or disclaim his association with Jesus. How many times are we caught in such a situation! What is our response?

3. Denying the Influence

“After a little while the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Certainly you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you.” Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed.” Matthew 26:73-74 (ESV)

Denying the person of Jesus Christ and His influence on your character and behaviour. Being part of the Christian system either because one is born into it or because of being benefitted out of it - like studying in a Christian institution, would have its influence on the person. And it doesn’t go unnoticed.

When I am appreciated for my good moral behaviour or gifting or etiquette do I acknowledge Christ and Christian influence?

Looking at it from a different point of view - does my behaviour exhibit Christian character? Am I claiming Christ just by words and not by my works?

“And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” Luke 22:61-62 (ESV)

Every time we deny Jesus, we need to remember that He is looking at us. May we be sensitive to His look and let His eyes pierce our heart and produce repentance and let His Spirit revive us! The Spirit who turned this denying Peter into testifying Peter, can change us too.

“But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words.Acts 2:14 (ESV) This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” Acts 2:32 (ESV)

This post is not a deep study on this subject, but I have just opened up the issue of owning or disowning Christ in our lives. May the Lord help us to analyse these areas of our life and help us to be His witnesses through our words and works.