We’re finishing up the current HelloMornings challenge this week. (Click here if you’re all like “What’s HelloMornings? I want to know about HelloMornings.”) Anyway, we’re finishing up the study that goes along with the challenge and Jesus’ words from the last chapter of John are ringing in my ears. In a good way. In a “I needed to be reminded of that” kind of way.
Peter asks Jesus about John. He wants to know God’s plans for John’s life, or more specifically God’s plans for John’s death. And do you know what Jesus says? “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” (John 21:22)
It’s like Jesus is saying, “None-ya, Peter.” As in none-ya business. “You’re looking at the wrong thing. Don’t worry so much about what other people are doing or not doing, or my call on their life. Keep your eyes on me. You love and forgive and pour out grace and minister hope and teach other followers and commune with Me.”
You follow Me.
It’s so easy to get life all twisted. It’s so easy to focus on what other people are doing or not doing, rather than simply saying, “Lord I’m Yours. Regardless of the plans you have for those beside me, regardless of what they do today, use me to reflect You. Empower me to love like You love and minister to those You place in my path.”
He doesn’t tell us to focus on Him because He wants to hurt or deprive us. He says it because He knows something we too quickly forget:
His plans for you (and me) are good.
“Good” as in He’s faithfully transforming us to look more like Him. “Good” as in He’s allowing things into our lives to prove again and again that His grace truly is sufficient. “Good” as in He sees from all eternity how He’s going to work this thing out, and ultimately it’s for our soul-good and His deserved glory.
We forget. Our eyes linger down here on people and plans, when ultimately Jesus whispers, “Regardless of the plans I have for others, you, you, follow Me.”
Fill me, Lord…
When you set your eyes on God rather than on the people around you, how does that change your spirit?
Thank you, I really needed to hear that. At work I really struggle with the one who does nothing but gets all the credit and complains the most. It is not about her it is the overall picture of what needs to be done.
It’s easy to focus on the weaknesses in others. Too easy. But more often than not I am learning that God wants to do just as much in me as He’s doing in that other person. Praying for you to have His vision for your coworker. Blessings, sister.
I enjoyed your commentary on this passage. Your personality made it fun but still got the message across.