Epilogue-19: Staying Focused on Your Calling
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | January 5 2025 | John 21:20-25
KEY VERSE:
²¹When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?" ²² Jesus said to him "If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!" John 21:21-22 (ESV)
MESSAGE: The closing verses of John’s Gospel offer valuable insight into our walk with Christ and our attitude toward it. As we reflect on Peter’s conversation with Jesus, three lessons emerge for our consideration.
To begin with, let's consider the key verse. Peter's question smacks of idle curiosity. Why does Peter use “this man” instead of his known name? Doesn't that give a tinge of condescension? The rebuke of the Lord Jesus Christ makes it clear that He frowns upon His people being busybodies. 2 Thessalonians 3:11 tells us that busybodies leave their assigned duties undone. Again, 1 Timothy 5:13 submits that it leads to idleness and gossip. In the 1970s, some offices in Ghana displayed signs that read: "If you do not have anything to do, do not come and do it here.” When Jesus told Peter, "You follow me!" the exclamation connotes anger and the need to stop being a busybody.
Second, the issue of rumours or misinformation arises. The Apostle John’s effort to clarify this misunderstanding teaches us that we must not allow rumours or misinformation to fester. Twice in the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul faced danger due to misinformation (Acts 19:21-34, 21:27–35).
Finally, verse 25 of John 21 tells us the achievements of the Lord Jesus Christ go beyond complete recording. The good news, however, is that we do not have to have or know everything before we can believe in the Lord Jesus Christ - walk with Him or do ministry in His Name. FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
We have work to do. Let's concentrate on it and stop being busybodies with all the negative results. Let's dispel rumours, misinformation, and disinformation with truth and facts. PRAYER:
Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you and worship you. You are credible. Please help me to follow You faithfully and reveal Your truth to others, now and always. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 5: Genesis 8-9 — The Flood Subsides and God’s Covenant with Noah
DAILY word study: THIS MAN The phrase "this man" comes from the Greek words houtos ho anthrōpos (οὗτος ὁ ἄνθρωπος). Houtos translates as "this" and is often used to point to someone nearby or already mentioned. Anthrōpos is a general term for "man" or "human being." Together, the phrase can suggest a tone of familiarity, distinction, or even detachment, depending on the context.
In John 21:21, Peter uses "this man" to refer to the beloved disciple, John. The phrase could reveal Peter's curiosity or concern about John's future, but its
("this man" rather than "John") might also hint at a subtle competitiveness or preoccupation with comparison.
Jesus' response redirects Peter's focus from John's calling to his own. This exchange underscores an important theological truth: God’s plans for each individual are distinct and personal. The question is not about others’ paths but about staying faithful to God's unique calling on one’s life.
Reflection:
Do you find yourself distracted by comparisons or overly concerned about others' journeys? How might focusing on your personal calling bring clarity and peace?
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