18 I tell you the truth, 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!”
Jesus told Peter that his commitment to service would require his life. What are you wiling to give up for Christ? Where is the limit or the line that will not be crossed when it comes to commitment?
In another setting, Jesus taught in order to gain life one must lose it. There is no one whose love for Jesus isn’t rewarded many fold. The rewards may not happen in this life. Thomas a Kempis wrote, “For he who loves God with his whole heart fears neither death or punishment, nor judgment, nor hell, because perfect love gives sure access to God.”
Peter was faithful in his commitment to service. Tradition tells us that Peter was led away in Rome and was crucified like our Lord on a cross, only he requested to be crucified upside down, since he was not worthy to die like Jesus.
The commitment to service is to follow where He leads us individually. Each person’s path is different. Most are not called to martyrdom. Most are called to be the light in the place we live with the jobs and responsibilities that we have. Our commitment to give our lives daily in service is no different than Peter’s commitment. It is not to follow Peter or to follow our heroes of the faith. It is to follow Jesus in character and faith and believe that He will lead us in ways that are not always of our plans or dreams. It is to watch the One who goes before us and brings victory through hard times.
It is an American perversion of the Bible that indicates that obedience will gain all the blessings of this life or that we will never have trouble and be healed of all infirmities. He tells us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. Some are martyred. Some are rejected by their families. Some have to decide between their spouse or Jesus Christ.
In the classic book, “Imitations of Christ”, Thomas A Kempis writes, “It is good for us that at times we have sorrows and adversities because they often make a man realize in heart that he is an exile, and puts not his hope in any world things. It is good that we at times endure opposition and that we are evilly and untruly judged when our actions and intentions are good. Often such experiences promote humility and protect us from vain glory. For then we seek God’s witness in the heart when we are accounted cheap around men and evil is believed of us.
Jesus said to His disciples if you love me, keep my commands.
Application: Ask God for direction and seek his Holy Word for guidance. Thy word is a lamp onto my feet.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see you in the trial, keep my eyes on you and follow you.
