The Distance That Destroys
Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church
November 30th Sermon, Day 2
There's a subtle but dangerous pattern that often precedes our biggest spiritual failures: we start following Jesus from a distance. Peter didn't wake up that morning planning to deny his Lord. The denial was the culmination of a series of small compromises that began when he chose to follow 'at a distance.'
When we maintain distance from Jesus - whether through neglecting prayer, avoiding Scripture, or surrounding ourselves with influences that pull us away from him - we set ourselves up for compromise. The farther we drift, the easier it becomes to make choices we never thought we'd make. Peter found himself warming his hands at the enemy's fire, literally and figuratively. He was trying to stay close enough to see what would happen to Jesus, but far enough away to avoid personal risk. This middle ground became dangerous territory where his courage failed him.
We do this too, don't we? We want to maintain our faith but also fit in with the crowd. We want to follow Jesus but not at the cost of comfort or convenience. We try to have one foot in the kingdom and one foot in the world, thinking we can manage both. The truth is, spiritual compromise rarely happens overnight. It's usually the result of gradual drift, small compromises, and the slow erosion of our spiritual disciplines. When crisis comes, we find ourselves unprepared, relying on our own strength rather than the power that comes from staying close to Jesus. Closeness to Christ isn't just about feeling good - it's about spiritual survival. It's about having the strength to stand when everything around us is falling apart.
Bible Verse
'But he denied it. "Woman, I don't know him," he said. About an hour later another asserted, "Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean." Peter replied, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about!" Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly.' - Luke 22:56-62
Reflection Question
In what areas of your life have you been following Jesus 'at a distance,' and how might this be affecting your spiritual strength?
Quote The farther we get from Jesus, the easier it becomes to compromise.
Prayer
Father, I don't want to follow you from a distance. Draw me close to you through your Word, prayer, and fellowship with other believers. Help me recognize when I'm drifting and give me the desire to return to intimacy with you. Amen.
