More Than That
The story line that runs from Genesis to Revelation never ceases to amaze me. Truly. It’s one thing to hear people talk about the living word and getting a new revelation time and time again but actually experiencing it is such a different story.
John, the commonly referenced new believer starter book, is one that I considered myself to be quite familiar with, until recently arriving at John 21:18-23. There is so much I could say about the miracle, the way Jesus gets people together (I’m talking full pearl clutch) but most importantly the message He seamlessly leaves for us that is relevant today.
An ever present issue in our world is comparison. It is so easy to go down the rabbit hole of what someone else has in comparison to what we do and don’t have. But check this out:
18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”
22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return,what is that to you? You must follow me.” 23 Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive
until I return, what is that to you?” (NLT)
This conversation took place at breakfast, post resurrection, when Jesus appeared to the disciples while they were fishing. Their fishing trip was a bust until Jesus came on the scene and told them (vs. 6) to throw their nets on the right side of the boat. Listening to and following His word moved them from lack to abundance in an instant. That’s the miracle, but this convo at breakfast is where it gets real. Jesus is giving Peter some insight about how his life will go as he ages and Peter, being himself, wants to know about one of the other disciples' future.
Don’t we do that? We will get a word from the Lord and then begin to compare what He has told us to what other people have going on in their world. Well, Jesus had a comeback (vs. 22) that really sent me.
“If I want him to remain alive until I return,what is that to you? You must follow me.”
(emphasis added)
Essentially, Jesus is saying that if this man lives for 2000 plus years that’s none of Peter’s business. Nor does it change the mandate He has for Peter’s life. This, I believe, is how we should be combating comparison and getting reacquainted with the truth. We are unique without contingency. Unique is often the word we use to differentiate ourselves from others, a statement of creativity in fashion, personality, interest, and so on. While that is fine and dandy, if we really look at this breakfast chit chat, The Lord is saying we are unique beyond what we think qualifies us and differentiates us.
Our very existence is unique. What is it to you what such and so is doing ? What is it to me what this person or that person has going on? Jesus says to Peter and I believe He is speaking to us, “You must follow me.”
So friend, you are unique without contingency or prerequisite. The Lord is not looking at the next person and comparing your life. He is calling you to follow Him and He has a unique, individual plan written out just for you. Believing this truth is the antidote to comparison and the freedom to embrace being unique in a new way.
Now, let’s talk about it. How do you believe this passage can help you experience freedom in embracing your unique identity in Christ and the path He has you on?