Deny-Deny-Deny

Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. The rooster will not crow tomorrow morning until you have denied three times that you even know me.” (Luke 22:33-34)

Not long after Jesus spoke those words, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times - and in near rapid-fire fashion, I might add. (Read Luke 22:54-62) How in the world could Peter have denied knowing Jesus - not just once, but three times!? After all, Peter saw Jesus perform miraculous healings time and again. He watched Him multiply fishes and loaves, calm stormy seas, and raise Lazarus from the dead. Peter declared Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of the Living God, and later saw Him transfigured!

If you are like me, you have probably shaken your head in bewilderment and wondered how Peter, after being so sincere in his zeal to follow Jesus, could deny Him. The following dialogue is a synopsis of promptings and conversations I have had with God over the past several months, along with my thoughts on a passage of Scripture - Matthew 7:1-5:

Dave: God, what was the deal with Peter?

God: Peter had a speck in his eye.

Dave: A speck?

God: Yes a speck, and it caused a great deal of pain for both he and I. Do I need to remind you of how much pain a speck in the eye can cause?

Dave: No.

God: No? Is it because the plank in your eye is a constant reminder of that pain?

Dave: The plank in my eye?

God: Yeah, the plank that you have carefully hewn much of your life. You can call it a plank, a beam, or a log; in this instance I call it cynicism.

Dave: I thought we were talking about Peter.

God: Not anymore! Dave, I’m talking about you now. So pay attention. The cynical nature you have crafted over the years as a means to insulate yourself from being hurt by people spilled over into our relationship a long time ago. I find that I need to remind you that cynicism is denying the sincerity of someone’s motives or actions. You have done that with Me.

Dave: I have?


God: Remember when I told you that I take care of you?

Dave: Of course, I do. I even tell people about it.

God: Over the years, your picture and definition of being taken care of has never lined up with mine. You never questioned that you heard the promise; but you have denied my actions in and over your life as taking care of you, and you have questioned my sincerity. What about the time I needed to prompt you to pray for a miracle in your life because you didn’t believe I would perform one? You were willing to settle for far less and denied my sincere promise of wanting to bless you. Or more recently, you questioned my desire to do a supernatural specific healing in your life. What were you thinking when you heard what I was planning to do?

Dave: I thought it was theatrical and overly dramatic.

God: Again you denied the sincerity of my motives.

Dave: I guess I have denied You three times too.

God: Three times? Since I do not lie, I won’t say that I’ve lost count, because I haven’t. Let me just say that it has been many, many, many times that the “plank” of cynicism has led you to deny me. It has caused you and I a great deal of pain. I want you to let go of cynicism and believe my words, motives, and actions. I desire to teach you that honesty, truthfulness, and genuineness are the order of the day in the Kingdom, and cynicism has no place in your life.

Dave: I’m really sorry for being cynical, especially with You.

God: I know. Sometime soon, you and I are going to talk about your skepticism and sarcasm.

Dave: I sincerely believe You.

Friends, I hope you sincerely believe Him too.

Grace to you.

Dave Paukner