Yesterday a cheer went up from our home as someone we know was able to receive the Covid19 vaccine.  Dose number two will come in a few weeks.

But what about_______________?  I can admit that while I was celebrating and thankful I was thinking of the many who are not yet on any waiting list and others around the world for which the probability of receiving the vaccine at this time remains quite bleak. 

“But what about?” There are times this statement is helpful, but often it is not. We might easily find it in our vocabulary when we note our journey and experience in contrast with that of another.  Aware of what others around us might be doing or encountering it is possible to compare, using the words, “But what about them?”

We note Peter’s use of this phrase.  He and Jesus are dialoguing about the love that Peter has for Jesus (restoring a relationship after Peter’s denial of Jesus before his death). Peter said, “Master, you know everything there is to know. You’ve got to know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, 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.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” 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?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus said, “If I want him to live until I come again, what’s that to you? You—follow me” (John 21:19-21).

“But what about him?” Jesus has just told Peter to “Follow me!” and he turns, without hesitation, pointing to the disciple behind them, and says, “what about him?” What about John?

“What is that to you? You – follow me!” is the response Jesus gives to Peter. You are to follow me.  You are to keep your eyes on me.  You are to submit your life to me. You are to love me and live for me.  You are to listen to me. You are to entrust your life to me. It is not your place to be concerned about the unfolding of the life of another.   

“Let every man learn to keep his own station, and let us not make inquiries like busybodies about this or that person, when the heavenly Captain addresses each of us, to whose authority we ought to be so submissive as to forget everything else.” (Calvin)

“Many things we are apt to be anxious about, which are nothing to us…if we attend to the duty of following Christ, we shall find neither heart nor time to meddle with that which does not belong to us” (Matthew Henry).

The Lord Jesus has a unique call upon each of our lives.  Let us hear his words, spoken in love, “Follow me!” Let us attend to the Lord today, saying with the Psalmist, “I’ve put my life in your hands. You won’t drop me, you’ll never let me down” (Psalm 31:5).

540: My Times Are In Your Hand

1. My times are in Your hand,
My God, I wish them there!
My life, my friends, my soul I leave
Entirely to Your care.

2. My times are in Your hand,
Whatever they may be,
Pleasing or painful, dark or bright,
As You know best for me.

3. My times are in Your hand,
Why should I doubt or fear?
A father's hand will never cause
His child a needless tear.

4. My times are in Your hand,
Jesus, the crucified;
Those hands my cruel sins had pierced
Are now my guard and guide.

5. My times are in Your hand,
I'll always trust in Thee;
And after death, at Your right hand
I shall forever be.

Lord Jesus, your care for us is great, so great that it invites us to concern ourselves with your design and delight for our lives, in relationship with you.  Forgive us for the times we have been distracted by lesser things – the coming and going, additions and subtractions, in the lives of others. Attentive to following You, may you use us where we are today for your honour and glory, walking in your good and pleasing will. AMEN

With care and in prayer,