[Monday's Devotional] - Character

 

This week we shall be following the daily bible readings set out for this week from the gospel of John.  Today's passage is John 13 v18-38, where Jesus predicts his betrayal and Peter's denial.

 

This is a well known passage that most of us know the basic gist of what happens – Jesus has washed the feet of the disciples and Peter has asked for everything to be washed, Jesus has mildly rebuked him and then goes on to talk about the impending betrayal and denial.  Peter has tried to get everything on offer and more and in the process has overstepped the mark – good intentions but misplaced.  Consequently, Peter goes on to deny Jesus not once, or twice, but three times.  It doesn't look good for Peter, and he looks the least likely candidate for leading the early church.

 

Reflecting on the passage, I know that I have been there and done this – denied Jesus and my faith, or been economical with the truth about my beliefs to save being ridiculed.

 

I have been reading a book recently called 'Louder than Words' by Andy Stanley.  The title alludes to the fact that it is our actions that define who we are, it is our character that provides a true insight into our being.  At this point in John's gospel, things aren't looking great for Peter, over enthusiastic, wanting everything and then denying all knowledge of the object of his enthusiasm.  Our character is the internal script that determines our response to failure, success, mistreatment and pain.  It impacts every area of our life.

 

It is Peter's character that ultimately turns the situation round – if you read on through the New Testament, it is Peter who is one of the mainstays of the early Church, who leads the disciples following Jesus' ascendancy to heaven.  Peter's character has shone through from a very difficult position, following his repeated denial of Jesus and delivered a strong leader of the early church.

 

Can you identify with this? It is your character that defines your future, and a character based on Jesus' example is the goal.  Today, give some thought about the character you are and whether there are things you need to change to be more like Jesus.

 

Richard Mason

 

Read the bible in a year:  Psalm 66:13-20, 1 Samuel 13:1-14:23, John 13:18-38