Daily Devotions – Following Jesus

Daily Devotions – Following Jesus

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Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

 

Mark 14:53-65 NIV
Jesus Before the Sanhedrin
53 They took Jesus to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the teachers of the law came together. 54 Peter followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. There he sat with the guards and warmed himself at the fire. 55 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any. 56 Many testified falsely against him, but their statements did not agree. 57 Then some stood up and gave this false testimony against him: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple made with human hands and in three days will build another, not made with hands.’” 59 Yet even then their testimony did not agree. 60 Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 61 But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 63 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. 64 “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” They all condemned him as worthy of death. 65 Then some began to spit at him; they blindfolded him, struck him with their fists, and said, “Prophesy!” And the guards took him and beat him.

 

What does the fact that Peter has followed Jesus (at a distance) tell you about Peter’s character?

 

Even when I have the best of intentions as surely Peter did, there are bumps in the road and mountains to overcome that often lead me to apprehension and doubt. Peter denied You out of weakness and fear. He still followed You but he kept his distance as to not be identified with You. It is so easy to go with the flow and be part of the group. There are times when I want to fit in so I am reluctant to be identified with You. I remain quiet so as to not raise attention to my faith out of fear. I am comfortable in a church where it is safe, but I am tempted to become a chameleon when faced with those who consider any reference to You as foolishness. How that must break Your heart. My faith is often tested regarding my relationship with You, some obvious and significant, others subtle and small. From a faith perspective, the subtle can cause as much harm as the obvious because of the corrosive effect. I am challenged to follow You even in adversity yet, often I fail. Forgive me, Lord. Although the world encourages me to keep my distance from You, You call me to draw closer to You. You welcome me to come and bring my fears, burdens, and cares of this world and You will give me rest. Lord, give me the boldness and not to be embarrassed by my faith in You. Release any apprehension and doubt and give me confidence in Your strength and peace. Help me to not cover the light of my faith but let my faith be a light that leads the world toward You. You have said that in the world there will be trouble, but I trust in Your Word that You have overcome the world. Amen