What is That to Thee...

There are just some phrases that are applicable in any situation. Take What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger for instance.

Boy, have I repeated that one a few times over the last several weeks. Between shoulder surgery, recovery, therapy, and teaching (remote and in-class), there have been a few times I didn't think I was going to make it. 

But you know what? I did. Still here. Still surviving. 

Amazing how that works.

This isn't the only phrase that's been rolling around in my head lately. Here's another one: What is that to thee? Follow thou me.

Now you may be wondering, "Where did that come from?"

A few weeks ago my dear hubby was asked to preach one of our Wednesday services while our pastor was recovering from sickness. The text my hubby used was John 21 when Jesus showed Himself to His disciples as they had been out all night fishing. Major events had taken place a few chapters before: Jesus' trial, Peter's denial, Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection...so much had changed in such a short time. I'm sure even they were all still reeling from everything that had happened. 

Do you get a sense of defeat when you read the passage? I did. It's almost like the disciples didn't quite know what to do. So...they fell back on what they did best: fishing.

But after a full night, their nets were empty, they were tired, and they were hungry. They start to head back in to shore when a man who they did not recognize, tells them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat. Surprisingly they followed the instructions and were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes (vs. 6).

By now they know exactly Who it was that gave them the command.

What follows is an intense conversation between Peter and the Lord as they sit eating a hot breakfast. Simon...lovest thou me more than these? Three times Jesus asks Peter this question and three times the answer is: Yea, Lord, thou knowest that I love thee and Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.

Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (vs. 16, 17)

But Peter looks around and spots the disciple whom Jesus loved; which also leaned on His breast at supper (vs. 20), and does what most Christian's do: Lord, and what shall this man do? (vs. 21) In other words, Peter was more concerned about the other man and what he was suppose to do, rather than on the specific task the Lord was giving HIM to do.

And the classic response? Jesus saith unto him...what is that to thee? follow thou me. (vs. 22)

Reading between the lines it sounds like He's saying this: "Peter, YOU follow me. You said you loved me; now go feed my sheep. Don't worry about that person there...or that person over there. YOU follow me...because you love me." 

It's so easy to look around at those we go to church with or those we work beside in ministry, and point out all the things they're doing wrong...or how they offended us by something they did. The Lord did warn that offenses would come, but all I can hear in my head is the Lord gently chiding: What is that to thee? Follow thou me. (vs. 22)

We are not responsible for that person there, or even that person over there. One day we will give an account for what we did individually...how we acted. Were we obedient or were we so concerned about the other guy, we couldn't even do what the Lord asked us personally to do?

Follow thou me.

You know, He asks that of every believer. If you think about it, it's really a simple request. To me He's saying, "Kari, do you love Me?  Follow thou Me. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left (Prov. 4:27) Just...follow Me." And to you, "_______, do you love me? Just follow Me."

Simply Learning to Follow,