We have already seen that Peter overestimated himself, slept, and consequently didn’t pray. We also noticed that his heart’s spiritual condition became visible to others through his actions. We will see that his distance from the Lord becomes obvious.
But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. (Matthew 26:58)
Peter follows the captured Lord, but from a distance. He wanted to keep his word and die with the Lord. But there is something between him and the Lord that takes away the joy of being close to Him. He no longer has the spiritual strength to follow him directly, to stay close to him.
It is evident to everyone that his heart is no longer close to the Lord. Step by step, Peter moves in the wrong direction, toward the high priest’s court – toward his enemies. We consequently ask ourselves: But Peter, is this the right place for you? Isn’t it better to watch and pray as the Lord said to avoid temptation.
The Lord had previously said to him: “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow later.” (John 13:36). But Peter goes on regardless. He is convinced that he can withstand the Lord’s enemies by himself! In his carnal condition, he isn’t aware of the dangers that stand before him. Step by step, getting closer and closer, he draws near to temptation.
And what about our lives? How closely do we follow the Lord? Do we have the spiritual strength to follow the Lord directly, or is there something between him and us that no longer allows his closeness? The further we move away from the Lord, the “smaller” we see Him, and then we suddenly no longer trust Him and His word.
Then we no longer recognize the dangers on our pathway. We forget the warnings of the Lord and rely on our own strength.Problems suddenly get so big and the Lord so small. We no longer rely on His promises in faith but look for our own solutions.
How quickly we become like Peter! Let’s be encouraged to stay close to the Lord so that He remains great before our hearts, so that we take His warnings seriously and can rely on His Word with conviction of faith.
