I was surprised when I went to post a letter the day after the census deadline, I had to ram the envelope in amongst a whole pile of completed census questionnaires. It set me thinking of that census being taken by bthe Romans long ago abefore the birth of Jesus. So many people had returned to their home towns to register that there was no room at the inn for Mary to give birth. Ok a post box is not the same as an inn but there were no postal votes inthose days and it got me wondering how many of those forms this time will declare clearly that “I am a Christian” – a follower of Christ! It is but a small act to make that declaration but often a much harder one to live out in our daily lives.
Perhaps that is why the Jewish nation loved the boy David who was to become their King. He stood up to be counted before the giant Philistine champion Goliath declaring before he went to fight “I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty”.
There was an altogether different response when the apostle Peter waited in the courtyard outside the house of the high priest after Jesus had been arrested? Once, twice, three times he was challenged “you also are one of them” meaning a follower of Jesus. Three times Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Three times he failed to stand up for Jesus! However, we should not be surprised at this for Jesus had told peter this is how he would respond despite Peter’s protestations that he was ready to go with Jesus “to prison and to death”.
Jesus when he spoke to Peter, said this “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simin, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (Luke 22vs 22-32).”
What a comfort it is then to know that even though we, like Peter may be weak in our resolve that jesus prays that our faith may not fail. A verse from the old hymn encourages us to rest on his strength, put on the gospel armour and dedicate ourselves to prayer.
“Stand up, stand up to Jesus! Stand in his strength alone;
Put on the gospel armour, and watching unto prayer,
Where calls the voice of duty, be never wanting there.”
At Easter time as we remember and celebrate the One who took his stand for us upon the cross at Calvary, the question remains for us each – will you stand up and be counted with Him!
Stuart Beadle
April 2011
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