Following at a distance...

Today's 90 day NT challenge Matt. 25 - 27.

Matt 26:56 But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.”
Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. 57 And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest's courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end

This surely was hard for Jesus knowing the day was coming when all would flee, forsake, and follow Him at a distance. The people were appreciative of Him as long as there was peace and blessing. But when trouble arose they all "forsook Him and fled". This is true today that many people are looking for the new fun exciting thing to be a part of until the going gets tough then they are off looking for the next new fun exciting thing. It is more beneficial, in the long run though more challenging in the short run, to just push through in the place where God has planted you and with the people God has connected you with. We choose our spiritual family about as much as we choose our biological family. We are birthed into the family of God and discipled by a family a God and need to walk with this family, as much as it is up to us, for a life time. Situations may change, job location may change, but there is rarely enough reason to break relationship with family. Those who get in the habit of walking away from place to place may just find themselves without family when needed the most.

In order to not be identified as a family member or follower of Christ Peter choose to put some distance between him and his Messiah. Peter "followed at a distance". It can be easier, for a time, to follow at a distance. When you are at a distance no one will identify you with any one family or their flaws. When you are at a distance no one will be able to see your own personal flaws and maybe even sins. When you are at a distance it all seems to be easier, less commitment, and less responsibility. But following at a distance does not make it any easier to make the right, bold decision when the time comes.  vs. 69 .... "you also were with Jesus the Galilean" 70 But he (Peter denied) it before them all,.... At some point you will be forced to make a public stance for Jesus or not. You may as well position yourself as close as you can because you cannot avoid the inevitable. We all need Christ, we all need to be sharing Him, and we all need a family to care for us and for us to help care for. Come closer today and limit the distance in your life.

PJ