“Why do I get a strawberry lollipop when she has grape?” my six-year-old niece asked. My nieces and nephew taught me early on that children often compare what they’re given with what others receive. This means that as the doting aunt, I’d better exercise good judgement!
I too sometimes compare the things God gives me with those He’s given others. “Why do I have this, and she has that?” I ask God. My question reminds me of what Simon Peter asked Jesus by the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had just given restoration and forgiveness to Peter for his previous denial of Him and was now telling him that he’d glorify God by dying a martyr’s death (John 21:15-19). Instead of answering yes to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, however, Peter asked, “Lord, what about [John]?” (v. 21).
Jesus answered, “What is that to you?” and added, “You must follow me” (v. 22). I believe Jesus would say the same to us. When He’s already given us direction in an area in our life, He desires our trust. We’re not to compare our path with that of others, but we’re to simply follow Him.
For more than thirty years, the apostle Peter followed God as a courageous leader of the early church. Historical records also show that he fearlessly embraced death under the evil Emperor Nero. May we too be steadfast and unquestioning in following God, trusting His love and direction.
By Karen Huang
REFLECT & PRAY
When have you compared your situation with that of others? In what practical ways can you follow God?
Dear Jesus, please help me to trust and follow You.
Jesus’ first post-resurrection appearance to His disciples (except for Thomas) was on Easter Sunday evening (John 20:19-25). A week later, Christ appeared the second time, and this time Thomas was included (vv. 26-28). John 21 tells of His third appearance to His disciples by the Sea of Galilee (v. 14). These disciples, who were fishermen by trade, came back to Galilee because Jesus had instructed them to do so ( Matthew 28:10). After a miraculous catch of fish (John 21:4-6), reminiscent of an earlier episode where Peter had his first call to “fish for people” (Luke 5:10), Christ restored and commissioned Peter to shepherd His sheep (John 21:15-17).
K. T. Sim
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