“Peter had followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest; and he was sitting with the officers and warming himself at the fire.”
Mark 14:54
Previously, Peter, when asked who Christ was, professed, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” The Father had revealed this reality to him. He had been close to Christ–right next to Him–when he made this declaration.
Now, after seeing all the miracles, the power of nature, and even witnessing Christ’s supernatural transfiguration, Peter is trailing Him from a distance.
What was the cause of this deliberate abandonment of Christ?
Fear? Confusion? Doubt?
Whatever it was, we can at least say that it was unexpected. It was a circumstance outside Peter’s control, and thus he responds with self-preservation. The response, however, changed his nearness to God. Before then, he was close, and now he’s “trailing at a distance.”
What can we learn from Peter?
Proximity
- Being close to God through prayer (1 Tim. 2:1), obedience (John 14:21), meditation upon His Word (Josh. 1:8), fellowship with believers (Heb. 10:24-25), and walking in compassion (Col. 3:12-13) and confession (1 John 1:9) keeps us sensitive to the conviction, conformity, and calling of the Holy Spirit and God’s purpose for our lives.
- “…the nearness of God is [our] good…” Psalm 73:28
Unexpected Circumstances [Trials]
- At the end of Peter’s ministry, he had learned that trials [unexpected circumstances] are part of God’s bigger plan of proving his [our] faith.
- “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:6-7
Reconciliation
- Peter didn’t stay far away. He came back to Christ and was reconciled to Christ, placed back in ministry, and given the purpose of spreading the gospel to the world.
- “Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him. The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching [aa]peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)…And He ordered us to preach to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” Acts 10:34-36, 42-43)
Peter looks a lot like us. He’s an everyday man with everyday impulses in need of an extraordinary God that loves him enough to teach him through life’s lessons.
God, help us to stay close to You. Amen.
— October 27, 2022