“But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.“
Matthew 26:58
Walking with the Lord is sweet when life is smooth, and troubles seem distant; when our prayers receive swift answers; when our enemies bow before us, witnessing God’s glory in our lives.
The disciples reveled in Jesus’ company until that fateful day when adversity arrived. Matthew 26:56 tells us, “But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”
They couldn’t endure suffering alongside their Master, the One who fed them in times of hunger, healed them from dire illnesses, expelled demons from their loved ones, and quenched their spiritual thirst. Yet, they fled, and Peter followed but watched from afar. This same Peter, who pledged unwavering loyalty, saying, “we’ll die together,” and even severed the ear of one of Jesus’ arresters to protect Him, found himself powerless when the moment arrived. Obviously, his earlier words were mere utterances. Are your words to follow Jesus not also mere and for the times of peace and plenty?
Perhaps, if Peter had drawn closer, he might have resisted the temptation to deny Jesus. Today, many situations could be different if we draw near to God, seeking His presence in both ease and adversity. One remarkable fact is that God still cares about us. He never loses sight of us. When Peter denied Jesus the third time, their eyes met, and Peter went away to weep, overwhelmed by shame. He didn’t believe he could fall so far.
Likewise, Jesus remains deeply interested in you and me. He hasn’t forgotten or forsaken you, even if you’ve been following from a distance. What He desires is for you to draw nearer, closer, and ever closer, so He can always defend you. Delay no more; Jesus is waiting for you.
Prayer
Lord, help me draw closer to you. I yearn to be an intimate friend, not one with mere benefits. Make me so close that I can’t imagine leaving, no matter the circumstances. Amen.
This message serves as a powerful reminder of God’s unwavering love and guidance in our lives. May it enrich your spiritual journey, empowering you to face life’s challenges with unwavering faith. Please feel free to share your thoughts below, and for additional resources to support your spiritual growth, click here.
Wishing you a day filled with the peace that comes from trusting in God’s strength!
