In John 18, we read John’s account of Peter’s denial of Jesus. When questioned, Peter denied knowing Jesus and being one of his disciples. We know this story well. Something new stuck out to me this time…Peter was in the high priests’ courtyard while Jesus was being questioned by the high priest. He was so close to where Jesus was that he was able to meet His gaze at the moment of the rooster crowing the 3rd time. It made me think of the song lyric, “He’s as close as the mention of His name.” Jesus was literally right there. And when Peter denied Him, even in the midst of chaotic interrogation, Jesus turned His eyes to him as if to assure him, “I see you, Peter. I know you so well and I still love you.” I’ve always judged Peter really hard for denying Jesus, decelaring that I would never do such a thing to my Lord and Savior! 

Then I hear Holy Spirit say to me, “How many times have you denied me?” What? Never! But then, I began to think about all the times when my plans didn’t go as I had hoped. What about then? It’s easy to believe in Jesus when everything goes smoothly and according to the map we have laid out for ourselves. Uncertainty is the place where doubt and disappointment can begin to grow. Fear, pain and is securities can really do a number on our hearts. Peter chose to distance himself from Jesus in his moment of fear and doubt. Yet Jesus was full of mercy and compassion, even at the very moment of Peter’s denial. This same compassion is what Jesus offers to us in our weakest moments in life. 

Let’s take a moment and ask Holy Spirit if there is any area in our lives where we are denying Jesus. Are we denying Jesus’ healing? Are we denying Jesus’ forgiveness for ourselves and others? What about His redemption, His restoration, His hope? Nothing is beyond the reach of Jesus and  the work He has completed for us. Rest assured, everything is certain in Jesus…no matter what we’ve done or how the enemy attacks or our current circumstances.

We don’t have to deny Jesus in any area of our lives. We have His Truth, the Word. His victory is secure in us because we are in Him and He is in us. Nothing is beyond the gaze of Jesus. He’s as close as the mention of His name!