Jesus says: “Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.). After this He said to him, “Follow Me.” John 21:18-19
Disciples see death’s approach as another way to glorify Christ’s Spirit within us and have trusting confidence in Christ. Jesus advises Peter he will be martyred under Nero of Rome; A.D. 64-68. As Christ speaks of his death Peter may realize that this is not only informational but it is a gift so that he remains solid in faith. Like Peter, when each Ash Wednesday the ashes are placed on your forehead in the sign of Christ’s Cross then you are instructed to look at your death and get done for Christ was has to be done, live without fear of your tombstone, and anticipate the finishing breath of life here as you are glorifying Christ.
Glorify Christ with your life now and then when the time comes for your death Christ our Lord says, “Be not afraid.” Now there are some folks who like to know what’s going to happen, how it’s going to happen, and prepare for what is to happen. Peter is one of these. Christ knows this and allows him to know ahead of his death that he will be lead around with a belt, mocked for his faith, and he will suffer at the hands of tormentors. In our text today, Peter’s command by Christ with, “Follow Me,” instills Holy Spirit fullness of faith, hope, and His Love.
My friend, have you listened to Christ say to you, “Follow Me”? When satan tries to dredge up your sins and have you live in nagging guilt and quiet despair, in silent sadness and low down motivation, and says that you’ll never do life right for Christ then hear His Spirit within you saying, “Follow Me.” Christ’s mercy and goodness forgives and scrubs you clean; forgiven and sins forgotten. Greater is Jesus Christ within you then satan’s wiles within this world. Christ victoriously claims you, names you His disciple, energizes you with His forgiving grace and motivates you. Hold your head up, bring your shoulders back, walk and live with confidence in Christ.
