Campfire Coldness

Matthew 26: 57 – 75

Campfire coldness

57 Those who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the elders had assembled. 58 But Peter followed him at a distance, right up to the courtyard of the high priest. He entered and sat down with the guards to see the outcome. 59 The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally, two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’” 62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?” 69 Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said. 70 But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said. 71 Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth. 72 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” 73 After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.” 74 Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. 75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.

For all you outdoor enthusiasts I want to say something which I hope will not offend you. I do not like camping. My idea of going on a camping trip is to make a reservation at a Howard Johnson’s or some other chain motel. I had my fill of camping after spending 6 years in the US Army.

As I put together today’s sermon I think about Peter trying to get warm at the campfire of the enemy. I thought that there was a campfire that gave forth no warmth but was cold to be around.

Many people who I know including my relatives love to go on camping trips. Hey, It’s their lives let them enjoy their own ways.

Where I live presently is a town outside the city of Philadelphia. We have two types of summer trips for people to enjoy. They can go to the shore and enjoy the beach and all its activities, or many choose to go to the Pocono mountain areas to enjoy camping out.

I have found it quite amazing that you can leave 90-degree weather and within a couple of hours experience temperatures that are in the 50 and 60’s at night.

So, for those of you who might be talked into going on one of these weekend camping experiences I want to give you a few pointers on surviving cold-weather camping.

The moon makes the snow-draped forest glow, and the retreat of the summertime camping in remote mountainous areas means you have plenty of space to yourself. But a camping trip requires a little more thought and planning than your average summer outing.

The first thought you must address is that you dress properly. You want clothes that can keep you warm during periods of inactivity. Chances are you'll create plenty of heat during that backcountry trek, but it's tougher to maintain a comfortable temperature when you stop moving.

So, layer up. Start with polyester thermal underwear for the base layer. Choose breathable fleece to inhibit the accumulation of perspiration during exertion. If you prefer natural fibers, choose merino wool and wool-fleece blends that offer the warmth of wool without the itchiness. Pack a scarf or neck gaiter that you can take off and on easily to regulate body temperature and take a lightweight jacket that is both waterproof and breathable.