What will life be like in eternity with God? Revelation 21-22 is an end-of-the-book description of a wonderful eternity awaiting the faithful.
Revelation 21:1-4 reveals “a new heaven and a new earth” that God will dwell among His people, and there will no longer be any death, mourning, crying, or pain.
Revelation 21:5-8 reveals that God is making all things new and he who overcomes will inherit these things, but not the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, immoral, sorcerers, idolaters and liars.
Revelation 21:9-21 reveals new Jerusalem pictured as “the bride, the wife of the Lamb” built with precious stones honoring the twelve tribes and twelve apostles in its architecture.
Revelation 21:22-27 reveals that in new Jerusalem “nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it.”
Revelation 22:1-9 reveals there will “no longer be any curse” and “Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book.”
Revelation 22:10-13 reveals “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”
Revelation 22:14-21 reveals that outside the city “are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying.” The invitation remains to “Come.” But we had better do it soon, because Jesus says, “Yes, I am coming quickly.”
This is a vision of eternity, a new heaven and new earth, where all things are new, nothing is unclean, and there will be no more curse. We are encouraged to heed the prophecy, and let good and evil be for the time being knowing that, Jesus is coming quickly.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
What is Christian Love?
What is the sign that we are Jesus’ true disciples? Let’s look at what Jesus said distinguishes his disciples and see why this old command is new in Jesus. Let’s see what Jesus said about glory and love in John 13:31-35.
John 13:31-32 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.”
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says that, in this context “glorified” means that Jesus will be made renowned, rendered illustrious. The Greek root for glory is doxa from which we get doxology, a short hymn praising God. Praising God glorifies Him. Jesus deserves true glory because He gave His life for us.
John 13:33 “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’”
Jesus addressed the disciples as “little children,” an unusually fond term. Jesus was going to ascend to the Father, a place where they could not now go, but would follow him after. In verse 36, Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
How is this new? It is new because we are to love “as I [Jesus] have loved you.” We live a life exemplified by foot-washing and taking up our crosses. John wrote, “let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18).
Those who only love their own nationality, race, or gender have a limited Old Testament love. New love is for all. The love from heaven is a testimony to where God is. It is the only practical solution to the world’s problems. We Christians are given a love like Jesus.
No matter what values we accumulate in life, Christian love is new because we love as Jesus loved. It is the ultimate value.
John 13:31-35; 1 John 3:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
John 13:31-32 Therefore when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him; if God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and will glorify Him immediately.”
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon says that, in this context “glorified” means that Jesus will be made renowned, rendered illustrious. The Greek root for glory is doxa from which we get doxology, a short hymn praising God. Praising God glorifies Him. Jesus deserves true glory because He gave His life for us.
John 13:33 “Little children, I am with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’”
Jesus addressed the disciples as “little children,” an unusually fond term. Jesus was going to ascend to the Father, a place where they could not now go, but would follow him after. In verse 36, Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
How is this new? It is new because we are to love “as I [Jesus] have loved you.” We live a life exemplified by foot-washing and taking up our crosses. John wrote, “let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18).
Those who only love their own nationality, race, or gender have a limited Old Testament love. New love is for all. The love from heaven is a testimony to where God is. It is the only practical solution to the world’s problems. We Christians are given a love like Jesus.
No matter what values we accumulate in life, Christian love is new because we love as Jesus loved. It is the ultimate value.
John 13:31-35; 1 John 3:18 New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Mothers in the Bible
The Bible contains the experiences of many mothers down through human history. Let’s look at a few of them.
Eve: The first mother was Eve. “the man called his wife’s name Eve [life], because she was the mother of all the living.” (Genesis 3:20) Eve was the first woman without a mother. Imagine her life, no human mother’s example to follow. She was also the first woman to bury her child.
Sarah: Genesis 15:4 “one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” God promised an heir. 15 long years later reminding them of this promise. 25 years later before fulfilling the promise. Sarah got impatient and gave her housekeeper to her husband as a surrogate. But this was not God’s will. Sarah laughed and gave her son his name, Isaac, meaning laughter. Sarah’s late start to motherhood reminds us that good things often wait.
Hagar: Genesis 21:17-18 “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Hagar suffered as Abraham’s second wife, being forced to leave to keep the family peace. God blessed her and her son Ishmael. Hagar reminds us that God can turn our suffering into joy.
Rebekah: Genesis 25:35 “Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.” Rebekah wanted to play favorites with her children, contrary to her husband’s wishes and cultural norms. She plotted deception, which caused a family rift for generations to come.
Four Mothers: Genesis 30 Rachel, Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah each bore children to Jacob. The competition was fierce and affected the children, twelve sons and a daughter. God worked with them despite the imperfect situation and the family rivalry. Our situations are also not so perfect, but God can still bless us.
Samson’s Mother: Judges 13:3-5 Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Samson’s mother is unnamed, but her obedience is legendary. God’s angelic messenger told her not to cut his hair as he would be a Nazirite. He was probably bullied growing up, but his mother obeyed God. The bullying probably toughened Samson up for the task to which God had called him. His mother’s faithfulness set the stage for Samson to rescue Israel.
Naomi: Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth was a Moabite, people God had banned Israel from marrying, not because of race, but because of their opposition and idolatry. Yet, following her mother-in-law’s example, Ruth became a worshiper of the true God, and became the great grandmother of David. Yes, women sometimes can get along fabulously with their mothers-in-law.
Elizabeth: Luke 1:41-42 Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” introduces us to Elizabeth, wife of the priest Zechariah. They both had prayed for a child but she believed the angel who said they would have a child, John the Baptist and Zechariah doubted. It is Elizabeth who was given divine insight to utter the famous saying to Mary, blessed are you among women.
Mary: Although she witnessed her son beaten and murdered, Mary is most blessed because her son is the Son of God. Her son came to save the whole world. She cooked for Jesus, washed his clothes and do all the things that moms do for their children. She looked frantically for him after a festival, to be told He was just doing his father’s business. At a wedding in Cana, she tells servants He will do something. After the crucifixion disciples scattered, but she stayed.
Jerusalem Above: Our spiritual mother is either Babylon below or Jerusalem above. Some choose “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:5) Some choose “the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:26)
Mary, Israel, the Church: Mary symbolizes Israel and the Church. “I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head… the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child… Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days… And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent… So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:1, 4, 6, 13-14, 17)
The mothers in the Bible are not painted with unrealistic fantasy, but are real women with real world experiences. They disappoint us, and inspire us. They reveal God’s mercy in working His perfect plan through imperfect people like you and me.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Eve: The first mother was Eve. “the man called his wife’s name Eve [life], because she was the mother of all the living.” (Genesis 3:20) Eve was the first woman without a mother. Imagine her life, no human mother’s example to follow. She was also the first woman to bury her child.
Sarah: Genesis 15:4 “one who will come forth from your own body, he shall be your heir.” God promised an heir. 15 long years later reminding them of this promise. 25 years later before fulfilling the promise. Sarah got impatient and gave her housekeeper to her husband as a surrogate. But this was not God’s will. Sarah laughed and gave her son his name, Isaac, meaning laughter. Sarah’s late start to motherhood reminds us that good things often wait.
Hagar: Genesis 21:17-18 “What is the matter with you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him by the hand, for I will make a great nation of him.” Hagar suffered as Abraham’s second wife, being forced to leave to keep the family peace. God blessed her and her son Ishmael. Hagar reminds us that God can turn our suffering into joy.
Rebekah: Genesis 25:35 “Your brother came deceitfully and has taken away your blessing.” Rebekah wanted to play favorites with her children, contrary to her husband’s wishes and cultural norms. She plotted deception, which caused a family rift for generations to come.
Four Mothers: Genesis 30 Rachel, Leah, Zilpah and Bilhah each bore children to Jacob. The competition was fierce and affected the children, twelve sons and a daughter. God worked with them despite the imperfect situation and the family rivalry. Our situations are also not so perfect, but God can still bless us.
Samson’s Mother: Judges 13:3-5 Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Samson’s mother is unnamed, but her obedience is legendary. God’s angelic messenger told her not to cut his hair as he would be a Nazirite. He was probably bullied growing up, but his mother obeyed God. The bullying probably toughened Samson up for the task to which God had called him. His mother’s faithfulness set the stage for Samson to rescue Israel.
Naomi: Ruth 1:16-17 But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or turn back from following you; for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God, my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. Thus may the Lord do to me, and worse, if anything but death parts you and me.” Ruth was a Moabite, people God had banned Israel from marrying, not because of race, but because of their opposition and idolatry. Yet, following her mother-in-law’s example, Ruth became a worshiper of the true God, and became the great grandmother of David. Yes, women sometimes can get along fabulously with their mothers-in-law.
Elizabeth: Luke 1:41-42 Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” introduces us to Elizabeth, wife of the priest Zechariah. They both had prayed for a child but she believed the angel who said they would have a child, John the Baptist and Zechariah doubted. It is Elizabeth who was given divine insight to utter the famous saying to Mary, blessed are you among women.
Mary: Although she witnessed her son beaten and murdered, Mary is most blessed because her son is the Son of God. Her son came to save the whole world. She cooked for Jesus, washed his clothes and do all the things that moms do for their children. She looked frantically for him after a festival, to be told He was just doing his father’s business. At a wedding in Cana, she tells servants He will do something. After the crucifixion disciples scattered, but she stayed.
Jerusalem Above: Our spiritual mother is either Babylon below or Jerusalem above. Some choose “BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.” (Revelation 17:5) Some choose “the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother.” (Galatians 4:26)
Mary, Israel, the Church: Mary symbolizes Israel and the Church. “I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head… the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child… Then the woman fled into the wilderness where she had a place prepared by God, so that there she would be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days… And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male child. But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she was nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent… So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 12:1, 4, 6, 13-14, 17)
The mothers in the Bible are not painted with unrealistic fantasy, but are real women with real world experiences. They disappoint us, and inspire us. They reveal God’s mercy in working His perfect plan through imperfect people like you and me.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Cast your Nets
Is anything holding us back? Let’s discuss putting the mistakes of the past behind us and moving forward. Let’s discuss how Jesus helped his disciples move forward after their failures in John 21:1-19.[1]
John 21:1-5 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
The disciples failed Jesus. They went fishing and failed to catch anything. Highly educated, very intelligent people run this world and fail miserably. We are all no different than Jesus’ disciples. With Jesus’ guidance, they made an enormous catch. He invited them put their fish with his bread for breakfast.
John 21:6-7 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
A common net was flax about 6 yards or meters across with small lead weights around the outside. It was thrown to open up as it hit the water. The weights dropped and the net encircled the fish. Men then jumped into the water to retrieve the net, often naked.[2]
The fish were then sorted and counted so that each received a fair share. Day laborers usually helped with the duties. Fishermen probably knew the local Aramaic language, Hebrew and also Greek, the language of trade. Jesus arrived and advised the experts. Who would let a stranger advise their business!
John 21:8-13 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Would Jesus restore us too after a grievous sin? Can a pastor be restored after grievous sin? They had all acted like cowards, felt guilty and ashamed, and so went home. Jesus provided fish and invited them to breakfast. It was time to move on from their grief and fear.
John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
In Greek, love [agapé] can mean a wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), this world more than Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). Peter was taught to show brotherly love [philia], “feed my sheep.” (John 21:1-19).
Love [agapé] finds its greatest expression in an act of brotherly love [philia], dying for our brothers/friends (John 15:13). Jesus also taught that He expects us to show love to Him in acts of brotherly love towards the needy, like foreigners, homeless, sick and prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46).
Does God give second chances, recovery from our mistakes? Should a minister be reinstated after repentance? Jesus reinstated Peter. How many of us have completely ruined something? Have we hurt our family? Have we betrayed a friend? Have we denied Jesus? If we want a second chance, God is willing.
The disciples were no different than us. We love Jesus, but sometimes are afraid. With three confirmations of his love Peter Jesus reminded Peter of the task ahead. We are forgiven, invited to eat with Jesus. There’s no time for guilt, shame and fear. It’s time to feed the sheep.
John 21:18-19 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Would we follow Jesus like Peter even if it means our death? Will we stay faithful even in old age? Will we follow Jesus even if it means being carried where we do not want to go? We don’t follow men, or their denominations, but Jesus. Let’s never forget who we follow!
There is danger ahead and work to be done. Let’s take time in prayer to discuss with God our many failures in life and ask for forgiveness. Then let’s move on. There are sheep to be fed. One person cannot do it alone. We are all needed. Let’s follow Jesus to the end!
[1] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Elizabeth McNamer. "Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus" www.AmericanCatholic.org. n.p., July 2004. Web. 14 January 2013.
John 21:1-5 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered.
The disciples failed Jesus. They went fishing and failed to catch anything. Highly educated, very intelligent people run this world and fail miserably. We are all no different than Jesus’ disciples. With Jesus’ guidance, they made an enormous catch. He invited them put their fish with his bread for breakfast.
John 21:6-7 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.
A common net was flax about 6 yards or meters across with small lead weights around the outside. It was thrown to open up as it hit the water. The weights dropped and the net encircled the fish. Men then jumped into the water to retrieve the net, often naked.[2]
The fish were then sorted and counted so that each received a fair share. Day laborers usually helped with the duties. Fishermen probably knew the local Aramaic language, Hebrew and also Greek, the language of trade. Jesus arrived and advised the experts. Who would let a stranger advise their business!
John 21:8-13 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.
Would Jesus restore us too after a grievous sin? Can a pastor be restored after grievous sin? They had all acted like cowards, felt guilty and ashamed, and so went home. Jesus provided fish and invited them to breakfast. It was time to move on from their grief and fear.
John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.
In Greek, love [agapé] can mean a wrong kind of love. Men loved darkness (John 3:19), the praise of men more than God (John 12:43), this world more than Paul (2 Timothy 4:10). Peter was taught to show brotherly love [philia], “feed my sheep.” (John 21:1-19).
Love [agapé] finds its greatest expression in an act of brotherly love [philia], dying for our brothers/friends (John 15:13). Jesus also taught that He expects us to show love to Him in acts of brotherly love towards the needy, like foreigners, homeless, sick and prisoners (Matthew 25:31-46).
Does God give second chances, recovery from our mistakes? Should a minister be reinstated after repentance? Jesus reinstated Peter. How many of us have completely ruined something? Have we hurt our family? Have we betrayed a friend? Have we denied Jesus? If we want a second chance, God is willing.
The disciples were no different than us. We love Jesus, but sometimes are afraid. With three confirmations of his love Peter Jesus reminded Peter of the task ahead. We are forgiven, invited to eat with Jesus. There’s no time for guilt, shame and fear. It’s time to feed the sheep.
John 21:18-19 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Would we follow Jesus like Peter even if it means our death? Will we stay faithful even in old age? Will we follow Jesus even if it means being carried where we do not want to go? We don’t follow men, or their denominations, but Jesus. Let’s never forget who we follow!
There is danger ahead and work to be done. Let’s take time in prayer to discuss with God our many failures in life and ask for forgiveness. Then let’s move on. There are sheep to be fed. One person cannot do it alone. We are all needed. Let’s follow Jesus to the end!
[1] New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
[2] Elizabeth McNamer. "Cast Your Nets: Fishing at the Time of Jesus" www.AmericanCatholic.org. n.p., July 2004. Web. 14 January 2013.
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