How Close Are You?

Monday, February 12, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them— walking, leaping, and praising God.—Acts 3:8

Memory verse: Romans 8:32 ►He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?

Today's reading: LEVITICUS 13 MATTHEW 26:26-50

How Close Are You?

Most remember when Peter denied that he knew Christ-before sunrise-before the rooster crowed. It must have been such a long night for all of them. It had started with the meal of Passover then had gone to the mount of Olives and then into the garden of Gethsemane where Jesus was to pray. He came there often and this time he brought Peter, James, and John. These three were to wait and pray. This was before Peter's denial of Jesus.

We can only imagine the guilt Peter felt after the denial. But what about James and John. I mention this because they were to wait and pray as Jesus went off to pray in Gethsemane. James and John, along with Peter, went to sleep as they waited. Jesus came back and found them asleep and was really disappointed in them.(Matthew 26)

It was late, probably around midnight. They had eaten and had had some wine. Compared to being on the road and hungry a lot of the time, these men were probably rather comfortable. Yes, they had heard what Jesus had said about his future-being killed and raised from the dead-but it seemed far away to them. They did not take it as seriously as they should have; after all, they surely had plenty of time.

Then the time came; Jesus was arrested and they were all scattered. Peter was never far away but what happened to the rest of them? "The sheep were scattered". James and John were not mentioned in the rest of that night.

We are quick to sit and think how gutless Peter was. James and John and all the rest disappeared and this is so hard to understand until...

We look at ourselves. How full and comfortable are we? When it comes to the challenges of the world, where are we. You know, the world's questioning those who believe in Christ. The world's questions of "Where is your faith?"

Or is our faith so invisible that the world does not ask:"Do you know Jesus?"

Are we asleep? Do we expect the return of Jesus or have we been put to sleep by all our comfort?

Peter might have denied Jesus but at least was not far away.

Luke 22:61 ►The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times."

How far away are you? How far away are we all? Are we close enough to even be asked about our faith?

Distance from our Lord is by our choice-not His...

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Forgive me for getting away from You. Help me today to see where I am and why and let me see clearly how to get close to You.

Merciful Father,

In the precious name of Jesus,

Amen