Denying is not an option
The way we speak, our gestures we use and the words we use tells others many things about us. They say where we are from, what generation we come from and if there is a religious affiliation we associate. And, no matter how much we try to hide it; even though some are pretty good at that, it always surface and someone is able to identify us. Jesus said that no one puts a candle under a bed, but puts it on a candle holder, because there is nothing hide that does not come out to the light (Mk4:21-22). No matter what one does or says it shines a light that is difficult to ignore. He calls us a light to the world, “you are the light of the world” (Mt5:14). Our identity cannot be hid, we are who we are. When we feel insecure of who we are in Christ, some say that it is God’s way of inviting us to escape the dangers of false belief. There are people who think of themselves higher then what they should and there are those who think the opposite. But, when we come to Christ we receive a new identity and a citizenship by which we identify ourselves by; heaven (ph3:20). But, because of our fleshly desires which are from the earth we have a struggle with that which is from above. Paul says that our flesh wars against the spirit (Ga5:17).
Mark 14:66-71
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.g] 69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, “This fellow is one of them.” 70 Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” 71 He began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know this man you’re talking about.”
What does it mean to deny? To refuse to admit, to desert the cause, to act entirely unlike him. Peter found himself in a struggle with his identity in Christ. After Jesus was arrested and taken into the court of the high priest, while Peter was warming himself his identity began to be questioned. Peter’s denial of Christ was out of fear for the suffering he would have to endure. There are benefits and consequences to being a citizen of a state. Peter was from Galilee and his persona gave him away where ever he went. Most of the miracles and great signs that Jesus did were in Galilee. In fact, twenty five of Christ miracles were done there, including his first in the wedding of Cana and last after his resurrection. Jesus gave nineteen out of his thirty two parables in Galilee. It was the place of where Christ gave the Christianity’s foundational message. Peter’s Christ like characteristics were formed there, and therefore he could not deny his affiliation and faith to the Lord. All the things Christ did in Peter’s home town became part of who Peter was. In fact, it was Peter received his calling to the ministry. So, when the greatest trial of his life came, Peter came back around. Satan requested to swift Peter, but because of his citizenship patriotic characteristics Christ prayed for him that his faith would not fail (Lk22:31-32). Jesus knew that Peter was going to come around back from his moment of weakness and therefore he charged him to strengthen his brothers.
Mark 4:21-22
21 He said to them, “Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don’t you put it on its stand? 22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.
Matthew 5:14
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
Philippians 3:20
20 But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,
Galatians 5:17
17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatevera] you want.
31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”