TEXT: JOHN 20:4–6 KJV
“So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in. Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie, ”
Discussion
Happy Sunday to you!
We shall be discussing the event that took place when Mary went to the tomb of Jesus and realised that the stone had been removed. She ran to Peter and the other disciple, whom I believe was John, because verse 2 explains that he was “the other disciple, whom Jesus loved.”
After Mary broke the news that the stone had been rolled away from Jesus’ sepulchre, Peter and the other disciple started running to the tomb to see for themselves. John outran Peter and got there first. The reason John outran Peter is not known, but what we do know is that John got there first, yet he could not go in. When he arrived, all he could do was stoop down and look inside from outside. However, when Peter arrived, he went straight into the sepulchre, and John followed him.
Life is a race. Some people will get to their destination quicker than others, but that does not mean those coming behind will not have the opportunity to flourish. The fact that there is a delay does not mean that a person will not eventually get to their destination.
Many people are always worried about being left behind. They compare themselves with their colleagues and begin to think about how defeated they have become. They worry about opportunities they have lost and how people who used to be on the same level as them have now outshined them.
Peter was left behind, yet he was the first to enter the sepulchre. Every one of us has a specific assignment in life, and God has uniquely wired each person according to that assignment. Our challenges, situations, and experiences are all different, and they are shaped according to our purpose and destiny.
Therefore, it is not good to compare ourselves with one another.
Peter may not have been as fast as John, but he had the boldness to step into the sepulchre first while the others followed. John may not have had the boldness to step into the tomb immediately, but he had the speed to get there first. Mary may not have had the speed, but she had the information that kept everyone running.
One common factor among the three was that they kept moving, and they all got to their destination.
No matter how many people overtake you, don’t worry. You were designed for your own assignment, not theirs. Just make sure you keep moving forward. God has not given up on you, so don’t give up on yourself or on God.
The Psalmist said, “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”
I know you shall testify soon. Keep moving!
Declaration:
I shall not compare myself with another person. I have an assignment tailored just for me. I will keep moving forward, and with God on my side, I shall reach my goal.
Light Up Christian Fellowship
