(Audio)
When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about him?"
Peter had just learned that he was being called to suffer. Jesus spoke words to him indicating the death he was going to die. Peter then did what we all often do. He began comparing himself to others. He started to have the thought that perhaps it wasn't fair for him to have this calling and for John to be off the hook.
Jesus said to him, "What if I want him to remain until I come?
What concern is it of yours?
You follow me."
Here is the message for us today. What the LORD is doing in the lives of others is no concern of ours. We only need to concern ourselves with following him. Even though we may face trials and suffering the LORD makes all things work together for good. When we compare we're one step away from complaining. We risk shutting our ears to God's specific will for us. We need to believe that God is doing a good work in us (see Philippians 1:6), that he has a good plan for us (see Jeremiah 29:11), and that he will bring it to completion.
Beyond most people Paul would have a reason to complain if he were comparing himself to others. His whole mission would then be at risk because he wouldn't be willing to take the next step. If he was complaining he probably wouldn't make the appeal to Caesar. He wouldn't do all he could to make the name of Jesus known.
This is the reason, then, I have requested to see you
and to speak with you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel
that I wear these chains.
Paul knows that Jesus is working all things for good in him. Because he knows it God is able to do amazing works through him. May it be so in us as well.
For the LORD is just, he loves just deeds;
the upright shall see his face.
No comments:
Post a Comment