PETER FOOLOWED HIM AFAR OFF

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

SEPTEMBER 14

 

Matthew 26:58

But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest’s palace, 

and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end.

 
And have not we done so too?
 
Once we thought that nothing could cool our love, damp our ardour, or turn our feet aside.
 
But we have long since discovered our mistake
 
Still, it is better to follow at a distance, than turn our backs upon him.
 
For Peter there was some excuse, in the circumstances in which his Master was placed; for us there is none.
 
Faith brings us near to Jesus, and love keeps us near; unbelief is the cause of our slow pace and declining in his ways.
 
It poisons our comforts, falsifies our profession, damps zeal, hinders our communion, thrusts us to a distance from Jesus, and alienates our souls from his ways.
 
Let us encourage and feel our faith, it will strengthen our hearts, quicken our pace, endear our Saviour, fortify our mind, and keep us near to our beloved Lord.
 
Reader, are you following the Lord closely? Or are you, like Peter, afar off?
 
If you are, beware.
 
You know what this conduct led in him; it is not possible to say, where it may lead you.
 
Get close to Jesus and keep close.
 
Let your thoughts father round him, your affections fix upon him, and your hope centre in him.
 

The soul that would to Jesus cleave,

And hear his secret call,

Must his own strength and wisdom leave,

And let the Lord be all.

 
James Smith