Distancing

"But Peter followed him at a distance .... " Matthew 26:58 NIV 

In mid March at my brother's birthday party, I was greeted by some friends and relatives with an elbow bump. What's that about?? Close encounters of the weirdest kind! We all know this kind of greeting was in response to the government mandate for social distancing. The birthday party event made it by a wing and a prayer, as restaurants were closed the next day. 

I don't know about you, but I'm ok with taking precautions in a serious situation, like washing my hands more frequently and some "social distancing," if it's helpful in dodging the coronavirus. Desperate times call for desperate measures. That being said, I can't help but ask the question, "Just how desperate is it?" 

It seemed some in authority were trying a little too hard to make places of worship nonessential. This is not a new phenomenon in our world, but who would have "thunk it" in our nation? Would any of us think in early March that by mid-March we could possibly be arrested for going to church? Isn't there something written about that in the Constitution, like a First Amendment? "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof; ... " Does this mean I should not look to the United States of America for my security? Correctamundo! "Who would have thought it? For that matter who would have thought the whole world could be set on its proverbial ear so quickly by an invisible enemy? 

As Christians, we know that we have an unseen enemy who is all about distancing, especially in the relational and spiritual sense. Many in our day are anxious about the future. May they ask us regarding the Hope that we have and may we be ready to give an answer. Just this morning I read:

"I look up to the mountains - does my help come from there? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!" Psalm 121:1-2

For Christians this may be a time for physical distancing but it is definitely not a time for spiritual distancing. 

It rocked Peter's world, when they arrested Jesus just a few days before Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem as a King. Just before Jesus was arrested, Peter had sworn he would die for Him. A little while later he would distance himself from Jesus and deny three times that he even knew Him. Peter didn't see it coming, even when Jesus warned him that it was. 

Stuff happens, and as we've seen with Covid-19, it can happen fast. We need to be ready. When it comes to surprises that may be upsetting, we need to stay close to God and His people. Instead of succumbing to fear in uncertain times, let's view the situation through the Biblical lens. Social distancing for a time may help fight disease, but distancing oneself from the Lord only brings more discouragement and can lead to complete denial. Let's learn from Peter and stay close to the Lord, by staying in His Word, in prayer and in fellowship with His people, especially in the dark times. 

So, don't think you're a spiritual failure if you get scared sometimes. Peter got scared but later would endure difficulties. This man, who once distanced himself, would be the same man Jesus would later call “the Rock”, and God would use to bring the world closer to Him. Don't let your fear distance you for long. In faith, remember, God has a plan. 

Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who love us through your prayer, your financial help, and your encouragement.

We thank God for you!!! 

-Keith & Penny