Jesus is Essential
John 18:15–18: And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and went with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door outside. Then the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. Then the servant girl who kept the door said to Peter, “You are not also one of this Man’s disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” Now the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself.
As you watch Peter, you see him gradually moving into the place of temptation and sin. First, Peter walked “in the counsel of the ungodly” when he followed Jesus and went into the high priest’s courtyard. Peter should have followed the counsel of Jesus and gotten out of there in a hurry! Then, Peter stood with the enemy by the fire; and before long, he sat with the enemy. It was now too late and within a short time, he would deny his Lord three times. 1
Walking with Jesus
Take a few moments to examine your life. Is there any area of your life that you may be standing too close to the world? That question can be answered by determining how hungry you are for God’s Word. Your spiritual appetite is a good way to measure how close you may be to the enemy’s fire. Does your passion burn for Jesus and His work?
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1–2
We arrive at the wrong destination after many steps in the wrong direction.
Praying
Lord, purify my heart for You alone. Please purge out any worldliness.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
