“Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” This is what Peter said to Jesus when the disciples were told they could not follow where He was going. Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (read John 13:33-38)
How painful for God to bluntly say, “You’re not as strong as you think you are.” But when the truth is revealed, and we realize how weak we really are, God has the power to lift us up and make us stronger than we ever imagined we could be.
Jesus said, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will later.” And they did… but not before they had failed, not before they were broken, and not before they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
Susan and I visited friends in New Jersey over the holidays. On Sunday, we met a young minister who shined the light of Christ. He did not have all the answers. In fact, he would probably say he understood less now than ever. In March, his beautiful wife of three years died of cancer. But on the last Sunday of a painful year, he encouraged the children of God to trust the One who is with us in good times and bad. The Spirit of God communicated deep truths through an humble man.
If we’re going to follow Jesus, we must come to the end of ourselves. No will power, no determination, no heroic effort will take us to the place Jesus went. Only God’s Spirit gives the power to pick up our cross and follow the Master. I may shout, “Lord, I’m ready!” But Jesus may say, “You’re not quite ready… but I can make you. Will you trust Me?”
Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:21-22)
“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 will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” (John 21:18-19)