Direction and Distance

 Direction and Distance

Peter and Judas

The direction we are facing is more important than the distance we are, from our destination.

In other words, being far from the goal, yet turned in the right direction is better than being close but facing another direction!

 But Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. 

And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire.
Mark 14:54

Now His betrayer had given them a signal, saying, 

"Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him and lead Him away safely."
Mark 14:44

Peter still followed JESUS, but at a distance because he feared for his life.

It was his weakness. He was facing the right direction.

Judas had turned against JESUS our LORD.

He faced the opposite direction from the LORD but came so close to the LORD.

Close enough to kiss Him!

His heart was turned away from GOD towards money.

This was wickedness!

Cornelius

Although Cornelius was a gentile, his heart was turned in the right direction.

 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, 

a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 

a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, 

who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.
Acts 10:1-2

GOD used Peter to share the truth with Cornelius and many gentiles were even filled with the Holy Spirit before they were baptized!

 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, 

because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 

For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. 

Then Peter answered, "Can anyone forbid water, 

that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?" 

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. 

Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Acts 10:44-48

Cornelius, as a gentile, was far from the Only True GOD, but his heart was turned towards that GOD. Therefore GOD revealed Himself to Cornelius and drew him close to Himself!

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