Mark 14:72

Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know this Man of whom you speak!”

This verse is Peter denying Jesus for the third time, while Jesus was on trial. Peter was in the courtyard watching the kangaroo court and how the Sanhedrin were using false witnesses to try and convict Jesus in front of the people so as to not cause a riot.

A couple of points here my mind start thinking. One is the fact that Peter began to curse and swear at this denial. Why would he do this? Was he so afraid that Peter would be hung on a tree also? Or did he get so mad that people would not stop asking him about being a follower of Jesus? Then, have I ever been in this place; have I ever been to the point where I denied the fact that I was a Christian? Have I ever been afraid of how people will think of me or what they may do to me, knowing that I am a Christian? How many times have I avoided the subject of my beliefs to not ‘rock the boat’? Then here is the follow-up, killer, question, what will I do in the same situation in the future? I know these situations come up, where Christians, the bible, or Jesus come under attack in the world. Whether it is something said, writing, or something done; the world will attack at that. When I am around it, will I stand up for Jesus or will I falter and deny Him, just to not cause a problem. Whether a conversation may come up at work, at the club, while I am out having dinner with friends, family, church associates, or just out shopping?

Will the situation be any different if people present me with evidence of my beliefs? Like the third time Peter was asked, it was pointed out because of his accent. People knew about the Disciples as much as Jesus. They had themselves already done some works, in the name of Jesus. Even when I am told before hand about the signs, a rooster crowing twice will Peter deny Jesus three times. In Mark, the rooster crowed once before he denied Jesus the second and third times. Peter had a chance to recognize the signs, repent on his decision, and decide to follow his Master and proclaim that he was a disciple of Jesus. How will I act in these situations?

What I hear God telling me from this section of scripture is just that I will have situations where I will have the choice to either accept Him or deny Him to the world. That I will be given signs that I am headed down the wrong path and that I can turn back. Even if I do deny Him three times, He still loves me and He will still use me, if I remain open to Him. Look at how Peter changed in Acts. The Holy Spirit works miracles in those with a willing heart and an open spirit.

Father, I want to thank You for all your gracious works, the mighty work on the cross, the shedding of Your blood, so that we all may be washed clean and be presented before You through Christ, perfect. I thank You for showing me that I have the choice to accept or deny You at every stage of my walk with You and how even through fear and doubt and persecution You remain there for me, waiting for me to take that outstretched hand of Yours. Help me be ever mindful of the choices I make, never to lose sight of your Face, and no matter how much it may hurt, a day with You is so much better than a thousand thousand elsewhere. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen!

Leviticus 4:12, 16
Even the whole shale he carry forth, without the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on a fire of wood there were the ashes are poured out.
 

The anointed priest shall bring some of the bull’s blood to the Tent of the Meeting,
The first thing that came to my mind is Jesus as the chief priest. Leviticus is showing the detail of how set apart the Jews are suppose to be. What the priest’s job is in all of this, and also to set the stage for Jesus?
            One thing I have noticed is that it is the anointed priest’s job to bring the blood; he is doing the sacrifice on behalf of the party. Another thing I noticed is that of all the offerings had either the ashes or the blood taken outside the camp to a clean place. Why? Sanitation, another way to be set apart, a way in which the sacrifices are to be done, or to show what was going to happen with Jesus? Or something else entirely? In Hebrews 13:11-13, we might receive a little insight into this.

Hebrews 13:11-13

For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

(Ponder this for a bit.)

            What I may be trying to say is that when we sin, either knowingly or unknowingly, and if the latter when we find out about that sin, (maybe this is the point of Leviticus) is that I should seek immediate restitution with God first. Rectify my situation with Him so that He can continue to give me directions back to Him, thorough the spilling of the Blood, so that we may be washed clean, and the Holy Spirit can once again converse with us, and the spilling is done on our, my behalf. As I ponder all of this I am reminded that Jesus had my name, my self, yourself, in mind when He was suffering and His blood was spilling , so that we would be washed clean, out sins were paid for and once again, as individuals, we could walk with God again in a close relationship.

     So, Jesus as the Chief Priest, He is the one that took the sacrifice before the Father in the Holy of Holies and was our representative before the Judge and pleaded out case, I hope that I never forget this, how about you?

Father, I want to thank You for reminding me and giving me new insight into You and what You did for me. I am grateful that You made the perfect plan from the foundation of the world, according to Revelations 13:8, so that Your family could com back. I ask that You help me, us, remember the basics, the family business, the Soul business, and to help my feet stay on Your path in Your perfect plan. In the name of Jesus, Amen!!!

I have been going to First B since about December of 04. I accepted Christ in/around that time, did a little church home searching, then for some reason unknown to me at the time decided on First B. Since then, I have completely sold out to Jesus, my Lord and Saviour. I am a member of the 20/30 Something ministrie which meets sunday during the second service. This place has been iron to me, helping me grow in Christ and giving me a place that I can return His love to other believers as well as non-believers through our activites. First B has been a great home and I am excited to see where God will take me in the future. I have made many new friends, met many interesting brothers and sisters in Christ; I always enjoy meeting the whole family and Body of Christ.