John 21:19
This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.

Those words echoed back to a day a few years before when Jesus passed by each of these men who would become His disciples. On the seashore fishing or collecting taxes, each one responded to His call. That is where their journey began, and that is what they were to continue to do. “Follow me” could only be spoken by the one who knew the way and who would lead them in the right way. And indeed, He led them to His cross and beyond. But this wasn’t an end for them. It was only the beginning.

There are many ways to get distracted. There are many things to pursue. But our main focus should be on following Christ. It is His will for our lives. It’s what He intended when He called us in the first place. When we first heard those simple words for ourselves, it wasn’t the end of our purpose, but simply the beginning of a life of service following Jesus every day. He knows the way, for He’s walked the path ahead of us, and He knows the way around every pitfall and stumblingblock.

So no matter what else we might do, let’s follow Jesus. No matter how we might have messed up or failed before, let’s follow Jesus. No matter what others do or where God leads them, let’s follow Jesus. No matter who abandons us along the way, let’s follow Jesus. No matter what we might have to face, whatever persecution or hardship, let’s follow Jesus. No matter where it might take us, down a dark and lonely road, through the rough waters, into dangerous territory, let’s follow Jesus.

Peter would follow Jesus all the way to a cross of his own. Even if right at this moment he felt inadequate to be a leader in the church or to represent Jesus to the nations around him, Peter would become all that Jesus wanted him to be. No matter what we are, what we’ve done, where we’re going, or what we will do, as long as we are following Jesus, focusing on Him, we will end up exactly where we are supposed to be.

Perhaps these words bring to mind the beginning of our own journey with God. Whether it was in a church service or the quiet stillness of our home, borne out of turmoil or a seed planted long ago, we’ve all heard those words from Jesus in some way. He asked us to follow Him, and we accepted Him as our Savior. And now at this moment, He reminds us again that all that He wants from us is to keep our eyes upon Him and follow Him wherever He may lead.