Then he said to him, "Follow me" Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, "Lord, who is going to betray you?") 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" (John 21:19b-22).

Athletes must learn to concentrate and block out distraction. Often, a coach will encourage a player with the words: "Keep your eye on the ball!" In other words, first things must come first. A football player cannot run with the ball to make a touchdown, unless he first catches the ball and has control of it. If he fails to keep his eye on the ball, it will result in a fumble and destroy any plans he may have had for the successful completion of the play.

Over time, this phrase has become a metaphor for keeping priorities straight. If someone is assigned to do a job, but seems distracted, we may try to help them by saying: "Keep your eye on the ball!" In other words, keep first things first. Don¹t worry so much about step two, that you fail to complete step one.

Jesus often seems to answer questions with the same kind of advice. In this passage He talks to Peter about the kind of sacrifice that will be required of him during his ministry as an Apostle. In the previous verse (John 21:18), Jesus said to Peter: "When you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." John tells us that this revelation was given to describe the manner of Peter¹s own death in the service of Christ.

Peter¹s response is unexpected and inappropriate. After hearing this revelation, he looks at one of the other disciples and asks: "Lord, what about this man?" Jesus is instructing him concerning a matter of the gravest importance, but Peter is distracted by the need to know if others will bear the same burden. Jesus rebukes him as a coach would rebuke a player who has been distracted from the game plan. "Why are you focusing on things that are not important. Just listen to me and do what I tell you!" In other words: "Keep your eye on the ball!"

Later, the disciples ask Him if the time has come for the kingdom to be restored to Israel. Again, His response seems to be; "Keep your eye on the ball!" "It is not for your to know the times, or the epochs which the Father has established according to His own authority, but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witnesses..." (Acts 1:7-8a).

As we consider the commission given to us by the resurrected Christ, we too must keep our focus on His priorities. Jesus has called us all to lives of ministry in His Name. As with Peter, He has plans to use each of us for His glory and for the building up of His kingdom in this world, As He told the disciples, He expects us all to live lives of power and witness, both at home and abroad, spreading His gospel throughout the world.

What is there in your life that distracts you from God¹s purpose and priorities? Are you distracted by looking at other people and wondering what they are, or aren¹t doing? Šby busyness and the many activities of daily life? Šby personal ambitions and goals? Šby fears and insecurities? Šby your own intellectual need to question and understand everything God does? Šby obligations to friends and family?

Today I want you to hear Jesus calling out through all the distractions, as He did to the disciples when they lost their focus. "Keep your eye on the ball!" "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you" (Matt. 6:33).