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!!

Musical Monday

I just discovered this song by Joy Williams, and I love it. It's so beautiful. I've added it to my playlist, so if you want to hear it (Joy Williams has a gorgeous voice), just scroll to the very bottom of this page, and click on the song's title.

Beautiful Redemption

by Joy Williams

I've had my forty days and forty nights at sea,

I've had forty years in the wilderness, or so to speak,

I've walked with sand from the ocean floor on my feet,

To turn and say you left me.

I'm a doubting Thomas needing to believe,

I'm a perfumed sinner just like Magdalene,

I'm Judas kissing on your cheek eager to decieve,

I am all of these.

Chorus:
I cry, Father, Father, forgive me

You say, Child, I already have.

You are beautiful,

Beautiful Redemption,

You are Beautiful,

Beautiful Redemption.

I'm the guilty thief that's hanging by your side,

and my shame is dying with your sacrifice,

And all my fears come crashing down

as I look in your eyes,

I see paradise.

Hallelujah (we all, we all, we all fall down) x 4

You are beautiful,

Beautiful Redemption.

You are Beautiful,

Beautiful Redemption.

~~~~~~

Isn't that beautiful? He's already forgiven us, no matter what we've done. No matter how badly we behaved, no matter how greatly we've doubted, no matter how drastically we've strayed from Him...He's forgiven us! All we need to do is "cry 'Father, Father, forgive me!'" That's God's promise, and we can be certain that He will keep it!!