ODJ: not my story
Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? As for you, follow Me” (v.22).
READ: John 21:15-22
Child,” said the Voice, “I am telling you your story, not hers. I tell no one any story but his own.” That quote, from C. S. Lewis’ A Horse and His Boy, continues the allegorical tales of Narnia through the eyes of a young boy named Shasta. Facing adventure and hardship, he appears at first to be a wanderer with no history or future. But great destiny lies within him. To find his purpose, though, he must learn to trust the One who has known his story from the beginning. He must also accept that certain events are not his to know.
Peter faced the same dilemma. In one of several appearances following His resurrection, Jesus spoke to the places in Peter that needed to be rock solid. The core of Peter’s identity had to be based in a committed love for Christ. Not a love that talked about action (Matthew 26:35; John 13:36-38), but a love willing to pay the price. Jesus then prophesied of Peter’s eventual martyrdom.
Peter’s response was a familiar one. Referring to John, he asked, “What about him, Lord?” (John 21:21). Bringing Peter back to the heart of the issue, Jesus reminded him, “As for you, follow Me” (v.22). The only story Peter needed to know was his own.
The temptation to base our obedience on what we see in another’s story is real, but some things are not for us to know. Never intending to deny Christ, Peter allowed the things he did not understand to dictate his actions. His life held promise of great destiny, but in order to live it, he had to learn to trust and obey even when he didn’t understand.
God is big enough to handle our questions, but do we trust Him enough to obey even when He simply answers, “Follow Me”? —Regina Franklin
How have you questioned God by comparing your experiences to someone else’s? How does understanding the sovereignty of God shape our view of life’s circumstances?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(5 votes, average: 4.80 out of 5)
Loading ...ODB: help with a home run
November 20, 2009
READ: 1 Peter 4:7-11
As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. —1 Peter 4:10
Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn’t get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way.
Then Mallory Holtman, the first baseman for the opposing team, spoke up. “Would it be okay if we carried her around?” After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run.
The lesson for followers of Christ is clear. When fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of these ballplayers. Reach out. Lift them up and carry them along. It’s a wonderful opportunity to “minister . . . to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). — David C. Egner
No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. —Charles Dickens
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
Latest Comments