| Photo by Mark Higham on Unsplash
In John 21, after the death and the resurrection of Jesus, He is with the disciples and asks Simon Peter, “Do you love me more than the other disciples? Peter responds, “Yes, Lord.” You know that I love You.” “Then feed my lambs.” Jesus repeated the question, “Simon do you love Me? Yes, Lord, You know I love You.” “Then take care of my sheep.” A third time Jesus asked Simon, “Do you love Me?” In verse 17, we see Simon Peter’s response: “Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love You.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.”
Jesus tells Simon Peter, “Then follow me.” In John 21:21, “Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord,” Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? AS FOR YOU, FOLLOW ME.”
How does this apply to me on my journey of following Jesus? I need to follow Jesus, no matter what anyone else does! I need to keep my eyes on Jesus and not on other people. I must follow Jesus and do what He has planned for my life.
That means I must run my race and not anyone else’s race. I must stop comparing my life to family and friends and follow Jesus.
Lord, help me stop comparing my journey to others today and follow Jesus! Lord, help me to be laser-focused on following You!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Pastor Ronald Squibb has been the Lead Senior Pastor of the International Christian Church (ICC) at Staten Island, New York, since 2011. He draws many experiences from his over 40 years as a pastor and significant emotional life experiences.
His new book, Following the Journey with Jesus, which he co-authored with Daniel McNaughton, was recently published and is getting rave reviews. His daily devotional appears in this publication.
