As I pondered upon what the Scriptures said, “And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire;” (MARK 14:53-54, NIV), I observed how Peter remained as close to Jesus as he could be under those circumstances of a trial. Yet, Jesus had warned him “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward” (JOHN 13:36, NIV). Indeed, John Chrysostom commends his zeal – he did not flee as others did, as John mentioned this point inside the 40 Days (2019) devotional text. Yet, Peter draws what cold comfort he can from the campfire of the enemy.
Are we following Jesus at a distance? Have we let other things – good, bad, or neutral –come between us and our Lord?
Are we drawing cold comfort from worldly fires?
Truly, there’re times to cut and run, freezing to death than exposing ourselves to compromise, not overestimating our ability to resist, as I read my today’s meditation.
Let’s not seek consolation from worldly fires but to seek the Lord daily!
Profile
Background:
Jeremy Koh is a graduate with a disability from Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Singapore (formerly the Spastic Children Association, 1987–1997). He holds
certifications in Microsoft Office Skills and completed the HR Administrator
program (CHRA) through the Human Capital Singapore–SGEnable Collaboration of
Partnership (HCS HR PowerBank, 7th Dec 2021–3rd June 2022). Over the years,
Jeremy has taken on various roles, including Project Assistant/Email Marketing
Consultant, Connector at ServeHope Pte Ltd, and a member of the GrowthBeans
Team at Savior–Asia Consulting Pte Ltd. He also worked as a KeyGuard Specialist
at (these)abilites Pte Ltd, overseeing all KeyGuard operations at World United
College South East Asia (Tampines Branch) for 10 months. Additionally, Jeremy
served as an Executive Assistant at Vision Strategy Storytelling for three
months (Aug–Oct 2017). He founded the Project Stories for LIFE initiative
(currently suspended), which is affiliated with Youth Corps Singapore, and has
previously been involved with the Special Needs Cluster. As a disability
advocate, Jeremy continues to actively represent the disabled community in
public. Jeremy also volunteers as an Event Planner at KALEORA LTD, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to empowering young people/youths with the financial
knowledge and skills they need to thrive before facing life's challenges.
Prayer Response to this featured article:
Jesus, revive our fiery passion for you again!
(Written by Jeremy Koh, 23rd July 2019)
