Reflections by: Ptr. Jeffrey T. Jo
Jesus just laid down to Peter the things that are about to happen in the remaining years of his life that is to feed & take care of His ‘flock’ (John 21:15-17) & to glorify God through martyrdom (vv18-19). But rather than contemplating & focusing on what Jesus just told him, he “… turned & saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them… he asked, “Lord, what about him?”(vv20-21). 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” Life is short. God doesn’t want us to be so disturbed & so distracted by the successes or failures of others. What He wanted us to do is to love Him, care for others & committedly follow Him. Let me suggest three ways on how not to be disturbed nor be distracted with someone’s prosperity or frailty.
First, understand that God has a design for every life in this world. Observe the kingdom Plantae & the kingdom Animalia, the Lord God created them all (Gen1:20-25). There are varieties of species, functions & purposes of each kind. In the same way with people, God has a purpose for every human being He created & He cares. God’s plan for Peter is different from His plan to John but all will surely end up for His glory.
Second, stop comparing yourself with others because when you do envy, self-pity & insecurity can easily creep in your thoughts that will probably result to ungratefulness. Ephesians 4:7, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
Third, remind your self that you are not God to judge others. The Pharisees were disturbed & distracted by Jesus’ ministry simply because He is gracious, kind & merciful to the sinners & ‘outcasts’. Jesus was not “acting” like them… “religious & righteous”, abstaining to mingle with sinful men & women.
The following are the clear commands of the scriptures to us:
• 1 John 5:16- If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray &God will give them life
• Galatians 6:1- if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently
• Ephesians 4:2 -Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (v32) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Live a life of grace. Rejoicing with those who are prospering, praying for those who sinned and failed, hoping with those who are mourning & always believing that God is sovereign & faithful working in the frangible lives of man.
I remembered you in prayer today.
