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Jan 31, 2024 18:30pm

Front Row Seats

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Front row seats.

That’s me. I want to be on the front row. I want to see everything going on, up close and personal. I don’t want any distractions. I want to take it all in. I don’t want to miss a thing. Whether it’s a concert, game, or even church, the closer, the better.

And then, there’s the actual seats we sit in. And it’s not the front.

The inner “front row” person in me screams, “we have to move up!” but, there we are, halfway back on the left side.

Luke 23:48-49

“When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.”

As we look at those that witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, we see those that were closest to Him were actually the furthest away.

At one time, they were walking with Him daily, sharing meals, learning under His teaching, defending Him, making a way for Him, but now… they were watching from afar.

At a distance.

What happened?

Was it fear? Worry? Maybe even doubt? This was Jesus, the long awaited Messiah. The One who would rescue them and set up His kingdom.

Wasn’t He?

As the events unfolded, as they watched their Master be arrested, beaten, ridiculed, crucified, and die… their world was turning upside down. And they stood at a distance.

What causes us to distance ourself from Christ? Is it fear, worry, or doubt? We were once so close to Him, walking with Him daily, trusting in Him, but when something bad comes along, an earth-shaking circumstance, where are we found?

Are we still begging to be close to Him, found on our knees in prayer? Or are we now at a distance, watching to see what unfolds next?

Psalm 145:18

“The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”