2 Samuel 19:11–20:13; John 21:1-25; Psalm 120:1-7; Proverbs 16:16-17
What is That to Thee?
Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me. Then Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said, Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee? 21Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. – John 21:18-22
Jesus talked with Peter about how he would die and then gave him the command, “Follow Me!” When Peter heard this, he did what we do. He looked at one of the other disciples and asked, “What about him, Jesus?” He ignored the command entirely and fell into comparison about how each of them would die. We do that, and probably way more than we realize. The things we compare usually being things that are temporary rather than eternal. And if they are eternal, we cheapen them by placing them into comparison. Jesus responded to Peter with words we should ask ourselves when we start comparing that should stop us in our tracks. He said “if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?” What is that to you? Jesus’ question exposes the jealousy that is in our hearts and was in Peter’s. Then Jesus gives the command again. He refocuses Peter to His command and should refocus us. These were Jesus’ last two Words recorded in the Gospels, “Follow Me!”
This is a word for us today. Stop spending your time and energy comparing your life to others and “Follow me!”
Take Heed to the Sword
And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. – 2 Samuel 20:9-10
Amasa ignored the sword in the hand of Joab, and it cost him his life. We should be aware of what those around us hold in their hand, and if someone has a sword (something that can take life rather than give life), we should seek the Lord before allowing them too close.
He Hears
In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me. – Psalm 120:1
Depart from Evil
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keepeth his way preserveth his soul. – Proverbs 16:17
a lamp and a light 