August 19, 2021: SOAP #4277:  Jeremiah 45-47; Psalm 105; John 21

SCRIPTURE:  John (NIV) 21:19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” 20 Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21 When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” 22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

OBSERVATION: Jesus had just talked to Peter about how Peter would die.  Peter wanted to know how John would die. 

In all the ways God deals with us, He does it personally.  He treats us as individuals.  We will be rewarded as individuals. 

APPLICATION:  That another believer has a more difficult life, or easier, should make no difference in my relationship to God.  Living in a beautiful home, or homeless, makes no difference.  I must keep my eyes on Jesus!  Living in freedom or under oppression makes no difference.  I must follow Jesus. 

What God is preparing for us far surpasses anything we have here on earth; it will make all our differences seem small.  Everyone in heaven will be rewarded for faithfulness.  My focus must be on where God has placed me and using what God has made available to me.  I must be faithful in whatever opportunity God has provided for me to serve Him. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, what a great privilege to be a part of what you are doing in the earth today.  Thank you for the opportunities to serve You and others.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!