Text: Luke 22:54-62
Memory Verse: “Having arrested Him, they led Him and brought Him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed at a distance” (Luke 22:54).
Those who often despise the words of Jesus have the tendency to follow Him deceptively. Any believer that will genuinely follow the Lord closely must be willing to honour the words of the Lord daily. After the Lord Jesus was arrested and led to the high priest’s residence, Peter followed far behind. Keeping a distance means to avoid going near someone or something or to avoid getting close physically and emotionally. We see Peter keeping a distance from Jesus, avoiding having anything to do with Him or to even know Him. Due to this, he almost made a shipwreck of his relationship with the Lord.
The decision to follow at a distance truly exposed several things that we must learn from. There are several signs that you must watch out for that show that you are following the Lord at a distance. Some of these signs include –
prayerlessness, lack of attendance to God’s word, forsaking fellowship with other believers, pride, worldliness, being ashamed of the Lord’s name, walking in the flesh, disobedience, unfaithfulness. The list is inexhaustible. Keeping a
distance from the Lord will bring darkness, doubt, pain, denial and spiritual dryness.
In James 4:8, you are admonished to “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you doubleminded.” As a believer in Christ Jesus, you must do a thorough selfexamination; repent, where necessary; and draw near the Lord through prayer, consistent study of God’s word and fellowshipping with other believers.
Prayer Points:
1. Holy Spirit, help me to follow Christ Jesus closely with diligence and faithfulness.
2. Help me, Lord, to live according to Your dictates.