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Msg #551                Wed, March 25, 2009

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Jesus said to him“…What is that to you?

You follow Me.” (Jn 21:22)

What is that to you?   This is an fascinating question from Jesus.   In this section, Jesus is responding a question that Peter asked Him.   Know this, Jesus knew the answer – and could have given Peter the answer.   The point and the problem is that Peter did not NEED to know.   I wonder how many of us are doing the same thing – asking questions of God and of life – that we don’t need to know and even more, questions that God will not answer.

Why didn’t Peter need to know?  Why doesn’t God answer such questions?  Let me give you three thoughts to think about in regards to this.

First – it is not the way God guides us.   I love the way God says it:

A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.  Prov 16:9

This verse is stating a contrast.  Men, in their heart – like plans.  We like to have it all figured out.  If we could have a map of life, and figure out today, tomorrow and long into the future – we think we would be happy.  But that is not the way God directs our lives – He does it one step at a time.   It is daily guidance, consistent direction…not a map.  Today, I wonder if God is not responding to some of our questions by saying “what is that to you”, because we are trying to get ahead of and out of the way He guides us…step by step.

(Prov 3:5-6)  Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

And lean not on your own understanding;

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

Second – we are not God.   Simple truth right?  Well, in our sin, it is actually something we struggle with.  From the Garden of  Eden till now, satan’s lie is that we are more than we are created to be – that we can be like God…knowing, controlling and being.   But it is a lie.   God has designed us to be free in following Him.  In fact, that is exactly what Jesus calls Peter to do  “you follow Me.”   We are followers, that is what we are supposed to be doing – following God.  Not playing “god”.   There is a needed humility in recognizing God is bigger, wiser and better than we are.  There is humble understanding that knows that God will let us know what we need to know – but His ways and understanding is so much larger than ours. (Deut 29:29).

Third – we worry too much.   Many of the questions we have for God, come from a place of not trusting Him to guide us day by day, from trying to play “god” in life…and because of this – lead us to great worry.  We carry burdens and concerns that God never intends for us to carry.  God is calling us to a place where the cares of our life, world and those around us – are His.  Consider Jesus wonderful words:

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Mt 6:34)

God calls us to a place where we can trust our cares into His hands in prayer, and gain peace.  Yet, notice very carefully – the peace is not a peace from understanding, where God answers all our crazy questions – but a peace that is above and beyond understanding…because we don’t need to know! 

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Php 4:6-7)

• I wonder if Jesus is talking to you specifically in his words to Peter today.
• I wonder if Jesus is looking at your and questions you have, things you are trying to figure out and He is asking you – “what is that to you?”  
• I wonder if Jesus is showing you that you cannot figure it all out and that you don’t need to – you just need to let Him guide you.
• I wonder if Jesus is reminding you that He is God and you are not.
• I wonder if Jesus is telling you that you worry about things you don’t need to be worrying about.
• I wonder if Jesus is calling you, even as He did to Peter….“you follow Me”

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. (Jn 10:27)

Jim

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