What's the distance between you and Jesus?
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"Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him.
Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance" (Luke 22:39,54).
How closely we follow Jesus most often depends on how convenient and safe it is. After Jesus initiated what we call the Lord's Supper, his disciples followed him to the Mount of Olives. After he was arrested, Peter followed at a distance.
Is this an immediate presence day or an at-a-distance day?
Is this an "Every day with Jesus is sweeter than the day before" day? Or is this a "going got tough, now I gotta get going" day?
Read this chapter and see how Jesus provides everything his disciples needed for what was happening in those moments, including a reminder that where he guides, he provides (verse 35).
Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?" "Nothing," they answered.
It is always better to stay close to Jesus.
Peter's problems began when he placed some distance — physical and relational — between himself and Jesus.
This is also true for you and for me.
Referees in an NFL football game were trying to decide if a team had made a first down. They dragged the chains onto the field to measure. The ball was close, really, really close, to the yard marker. How close? The referee took an index card and tried to slide it between the marker and the ball. That's pretty close.
That's about as far away from Jesus as I ever want to get. How about you?
Today is a good day to walk with Jesus. Stick close to him. He's all you need. The longer you do this, the more you will discover he is also all you want.
Our Father, keep me closer than an index card's distance today and every day. I want to be with you. I want to go with you. I want what you want for me. Amen.
 | David Bowman, (DMin, PCC) is the Executive Director of Tarrant Baptist Association in Fort Worth, Texas. He also serves as a Multiplying Trainer for Future Church Co. Learn More » |
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