Following Jesus From A Distance.

“But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end.” Matt. 26:58.NKJV.

Rescuing someone who’s drowning is both difficult and dangerous. A drowning person panics, flails, and often fights against the very person trying to save them. Fear takes over, making it hard for them to understand that surrendering to the rescuer is the only way to be saved. In the bid to frantically get delivered they literally rebel against the same system and person who is all out to help them. If the rescuer doesn't understand the principles surrounding rescuing the drowning he may end up drowning himself. We do the same thing in our own lives. When we’re drowning in struggles, sin, and pain, we thrash around trying to fix things on our own. But Jesus is reaching out, ready to pull us to safety — if we’ll just stop fighting and trust Him.

In our text we have a very powerful description of Peter’s struggle with walking in accurate counsel of the Lord. Peter was like a drowning man struggling for survival. He was following Jesus from a distance. This verse provides a powerful reminder for how we, as Christians, often follow Jesus from a distance. Nothing could be more inimical to our Christianity than to practice the faith without commitment. Following at a distance is often associated with a lack of total commitment to a cause and purpose. leader. It suggests that such a person is unstable and not fully committed to the pursuit of God's will and counsel in totality..

Following from a distance also indicates; Fear and compromise.  Peter followed at a distance because he was likely torn between his loyalty and his fear of being associated with Jesus. This distance created a vulnerability that exposes his frailty. Like Peter, we often find ourselves in situations where it is challenging to stand up for our faith. Perhaps we fear ridicule, rejection, or even persecution, so we choose to follow Jesus at a distance, keeping our faith hidden and our commitment lukewarm. At other times we might follow Jesus at a distance as a result of complacency. We may become comfortable in our faith, attending church services, participating in religious activities, but not truly engaging with God on a deeper level. We may be physically present but spiritually distant, just like Peter in the courtyard. It's time to rejig our faith and yield our totality to God.

FURTHER READING:

“But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.” Matt. 10:33.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” Psa. 1:1.

DECLARATION: 

Dear Abba Father, I thank You for the gift of life and the privilege of salvation. Lord, I ask that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit and grant me the strength and discipline to be steadfast in my faith. Help me to commit my works and my ways to You, so that my thoughts will be established in Your truth. Increase my faith, that I may be rooted and built up in You, and not swayed by the world or the lies of the enemy. Remind me that Your mercies are new every morning and that I can start again with a fresh perspective, depending entirely on Your grace in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:

Luke. 15:1-32.

Luke. 16:1-31.

QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

“Lack Of Commitment Does You More Harm Than Lack Of Talent. Focus On Your Commitment To God.”