John 21 : 18-19
Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." 1 (This he said to show by what kind of death Peter was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
If a person loves the Lord, he would surely give up his life to follow Him. Therefore Jesus said to Peter in verse 18, "People will carry you where you do not want to go." Have you ever done something you are reluctant to do for the sake of our Lord? Jesus said, "Obedience is better than sacrifice." Sacrifice is a religious ritual such as going to worship every Sunday in proper attires, attending small group meetings regularly, tithe accordingly and help out in church ministries when we have time; we believe if we have done all these, it would be pleasing to God. In fact, the reason Jesus rebuked the Pharisees was because they had paid too much attention on sacrifices and outward appearance and work, but overlooked their obedience and willingness to serve God.
Often times we offer whatever in excess we have including our money, time and talents. I call this "Offering our excess." Even though such outward expressions, rules and responsibilities can easily be achieved, but we know deep in our hearts there are something we are not willing to forsake or offer to our Lord, which have entangled us till now. If there is something in our lives which has burdened us today, in the name of the Lord, I say to you, "Submit the sovereignty of your lives to God!" Having said this in verse 19, Jesus then told Peter, "Come and follow me!" Brothers and sisters, do you love the Lord? If you do, you should naturally pay attention to where the Lord is going and you would definitely follow Him willingly.
We may pass the valley of death, but may the Lord help us not to be afraid and follow God without diversion. God is the Lord of our lives, and also our shepherd who knows our every need. We are filled with fear because we have been deceived by our enemies thus afraid to follow God. But brothers and sisters, we should be reminded that He is truly is a God of abundance. He is willing to shower us with all kind of blessings from heaven. Let us follow Him without reservation! One who loves the Lord would naturally follow the Lord, willing to forsake his all and let Him take the priority in his life.
Pray with Pastor Tong
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