John 21:20 – 22: Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (…….) When Peter saw him, he asked “Lord what about him?” Jesus answered. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”

This is an engaging conversation between Jesus and Peter. Jesus was in effect saying to Peter that the plans he has for his other disciple was none of Peter’s business. All he wanted Peter to focus on was what would be required of him, i.e. listening to his voice and being obedient to whatever he asked of him. In the earlier verses of this same chapter, Jesus had already asked him three times if he loved him and Peter had declared his love in totality. Jesus in response had given him his assignment – “Feed my lambs”, “Take care of my sheep”. How quickly then was he becoming distracted!

Like Peter and that other disciple, our kingdom assignments are different though the ultimate goal is to glorify God. Some are called to live their lives in the public square, declaring the Word globally while some are called to labor in the trenches, sometimes unrecognized their whole lives.  Some are called to be good mothers or fathers, care-givers, military personnel or benevolent bosses.  Some of you have probably been busy at it already but never quite saw it as God’s assignment for you. Take grandparents, for example – many represent to their grandchildren the only stability they will ever know and perhaps the only people who can interpret God’s love to them. What is that worth? Don’t ever discount your assignment in the kingdom of God. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

If you spend time in the Word and seek the Lord with all your heart, He will make plain what your assignment is. That will be unique for you and all he requires is your faithfulness in carrying it out.