Following At a Distance

In Matthew 26:33-35, we see Peter and the other disciples earnestly declaring that they will never desert their Lord. A short time later, Matthew says that "A large mob, with swords and clubs" descended upon the small group and arrested Jesus. This frightening scene would scare anyone, and the disciples were no exception. We read in verse 56 that they "deserted Him and ran away," despite their passionate "loyalty." What a turn-around!

In the very next verses, we watch Peter "following at a distance right to the high priest's courtyard." Peter, the first one to state his loyalty, followed Jesus at a distance.

As I read this passage, I started to wonder, "How do I 'follow at a distance'?" Well, I "follow at a distance" when I fail to seek after and follow Christ, either because I don't want to "get my hands dirty," or because I don't want to be known as "old-fashioned." This includes the times when I join my friends in watching a not-so-great movie, simply to avoid being labeled as "that conservative, sheltered kid." I also "follow at a distance" when I greet the unpopular girl at my church just enough to seem polite...and yet avoid showing a real interest in her life because I don't want to "put myself out." It includes the times when I grow lazy in Bible study and prayer because I don't "feel like it" (just like the disciples in verse 40). Wow...I really do "follow at a distance" sometimes! Yes, I'm guilty of all the aforementioned sins. And those sins make me guilty of denying Christ, just like Peter did.

Yet...

Christ forgives! Several months ago, our pastor preached from Mark 16 about Christ's resurrection. He pointed out, with tears in his eyes, that when the angels talked to the women at the tomb, they said, "...go, tell His disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there just as He told you.'" And Peter. Why did Jesus include those words in His message to the disciples? Peter was one of "the disciples." Jesus didn't need to name him specifically! He included those words, Pr. Gerry said, to express his forgiveness to Peter. Peter was intensely ashamed of his denial of Christ. Mark 14:72 says, "When he thought about it, he began to weep." Perhaps Peter was so ashamed that he felt as though he had lost his Lord's favor. Yet Christ specifically says, "tell [my] disciples and Peter." He wanted to reassure Peter of His love and forgiveness...Peter was still Christ's disciple and friend!

Isn't that so encouraging? Even when we are guilty of following Christ at a distance, He still loves us. He has payed our price, and He forgives and cleanses! We are permanent members of His family, no matter what we've done! Thank you Lord!

One more thought...despite Peter's denial, Judas' betrayal, and his disciples' disloyalty, Christ still died for them...and us! He didn't throw up His hands and say, "Father, why should I die for these losers?!?!?! They just betrayed me!" Instead, He loved...unconditionally. Wow. How amazing!!

Today I am thankful for God's love, God's wisdom, and God's perfect plans.

My family and I have been facing some "unforeseen" and difficult changes lately, and these changes could lead to even more difficult ones in the near future. It's interesting because a couple of years ago, I would never have dreamed that these changes could possibly take place. They DO NOT coincide with my plans...and even though these changes aren't tragic or unbearable, they are still stressful.

However...

It's been sooooo comforting to realize that God's got it all under control! Even though I never saw these events coming, He's known they were coming since before I or my parents were even born! When I focus on that concept, I feel so much better! BELIEVE ME, I have NOT controlled my mind perfectly. Yes...there have been times of hyperventilation!! But God's truth is still truth!!

Last week, our pastor spoke about Saul's conversion. He, as well as several of the men who shared, pointed out how Saul's/Paul's story was timed by God. For example, why didn't God appear to Saul before he had traveled 5 out of the 6 days it took to get to Damascus? In fact, why didn't God appear to Saul before He started arresting and killing all those Christians? The answer, Pr. Gerry pointed out, was that God had a plan. He works all things together so that He is glorified!! That means that the changes that my family is going through are for God's glory...He has it all figured out!! Thank you Lord!

I just read this Psalm, and even though plenty of people care about me (vs 4) and no one is hunting me down (vs 6), I can still take it's main message personally.

Psalm 142

1 I cry aloud to the Lord;

I plead aloud to the Lord for mercy.

2 I pour out my complaint before Him;

I reveal my trouble to Him.

3 Although my spirit is weak within me,

You know my way.

Along this path I travel

they have hidden a trap for me.

4 Look to the right and see;

no one stands up for me;

there is no refuge for me;

no one cares about me.

5 I cry to You, Lord;

I say, "You are my shelter,

my portion in the land of the living."

6 Listen to my cry,

for I am very weak.

Rescue me from those who pursue me,

for they are too strong for me.

7 Free me from prison

so that I can praise Your name.

The righteous will gather around me

because You deal generously with me.

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THANKFUL THURSDAY

As you saw in my first post,
I've been blessed with a wonderful mom.
And as you saw in my last post,
I also have a wonderful dad who served in N.O. last month!
I'm also blessed with a wonderful church.


I am so grateful to God that He brought us to our church 13+ years ago!The elders have sought, with God's help, to model our church after the New Testament church. Our Pastor has been serving there for about 37 years, and I appreciate him SO MUCH! He is one of the most humble and wise people I know. He teaches straight from God's Word...no personal opinions. And when gone to for council or advice, he points you straight to the Bible. My church also seeks to encourage family worship, and there are many kids (0-18yrs) in the service every week. As I've gotten older, I've really come to respect and cherish my church and our Pastor, as well as the fellowship at the church. We're known as the congregation that stays for a long time after the service to TALK, TALK, and TALK some more! :-) I love that! It's also neat because we have a wide variety of people in the congregation, and I've noticed that when I step into a group of girls to talk, we can all fellowship and enjoy each other, simply because we are sisters in Christ! Isn't it awesome that the body of Christ as a whole has that one common factor that draws all believers together?!?

Thank you, Lord, for my church...
and thank for Pr. Gerry
and all of the other Bible-teaching, godly pastors out there!

SEEK HIS FACE WITH ME!
LOVE~BRIANNA