The pandemic began two years ago.
It has taught us to keep our distance.
Social, physical, hide our face, wash our hands,
Work from home, shop online, never touch another soul.
We’ve missed much via mandate and personal choice.
We are blessed that we’ve had technology other centuries did not have.
But the one thing I can say is the obstacles between us
Must be torn down, and we must close the distance.
Between what we’ve allowed and where we are
The times demand we move in closer.
Keep your protection, and whatever makes you comfortable
But realize how far we have gone and need to go.
Case Studies
Thomas, the Twin (Didymus)
After the Cross, Tomb, and Victory, Jesus began to make himself known. Those eleven remaining disciples were at once happy, worried, and even full of disbelief. At one such time, Thomas was not around. When he heard the exciting news, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” (John 20:25-29)
To Thomas, Jesus spoke when He suddenly appeared.
“Reach your finger here, and look at My hands;
and reach your hand here, and put it into My side.
Do not be unbelieving, but believing.”
~Jesus
How would you respond? Thomas closed the distance with his words. “My Lord and My God.”
David Against Goliath
A young man was sent to the battle lines to take food to his brothers. They are older, mature, and fighters for King Saul. He heard the challenge of Goliath. What are you doing about it? Saul, I’ve killed a lion and a bear. I will take care of this Philistine.
On the battlefield, Goliath challenges again. David steps forth. Shepherds sling and five smooth stones from the brook. He flings the challenge back and declares for God.
So it was, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David,
that David hurried and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.
1 Samuel 17:48 NKJV
Was he afraid? Were his hands and feet shaking? Did he worry about Goliath winning? I think his actions showed his focus. David Closed The Distance!
Simon Peter
We know his story so well. Given the keys to the kingdom for his understanding, he is immediately setback on his heels when he rebukes Jesus. “Get thee behind me, Satan!” Jesus speaks, and it happens! (Matthew 16:13-23)
Later, just before the betrayal, Peter declares for the Lord, and the others agree with him. “Peter, you will deny me three times before the rooster crows!” (Matthew 26:30-35)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, the disciples flee, but Peter follows from a distance. (Luke 22:34) He is accosted three times by three different voices. “You are one of them!” Three times he denies it! Then he heard the rooster crow. Jesus looks at Peter. Peter remembers the words. He flees into the night and weeps bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)
There are so many puzzle pieces to this story. It would take hundreds of words to describe them. Let’s jump forward. At a loss for what to do next, or maybe just needing a distraction, Peter announces he’s going fishing. We’ll go with you! They fish all night. Nothing. A voice from the shore encourages them to cast their nets on the other side. They do and catch a multitude of fish. John declares, “It is the Lord!” Peter puts on his cloak, jumps overboard, and heads for the shore. (John 21:1-14)
What? He was Closing the Distance.
When the disciples arrive, there are fish and bread on the fire. Can you imagine the private conversation between Jesus and Peter. The distance is closed. Peter is back where he needs to be.
This is Today
We have been given the opportunity. Close the Distance between where we are and where we need to be. It’s up to you. Mend those fences. Build those burnt bridges. Forgive, and be forgiven.
The times are primed for us to Close the Distance.