Many Other Things (John 21:25)

 


Thursday, April 24, 2025


Psalms 130; 131; 133

Exodus 13:1-16

John 21:15-25


Many Other Things (John 21:25)


Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.


We are all characters in the grand narrative of God’s story. In our own side-plot, we are the main character; but bring all those side-plots together and we find ourselves swept into the main thread, which is the work of the Triune God in the redemption of his people.


Some Christians may feel a little put out by the fact they are only side characters. Yet not even the biggest supporting characters were proud of that fact; take John the Baptist’s famous line, that “I must decrease, so that he may increase”. When God told Abraham to look up into the night sky and try and count the number of his descendants, you and I were not even visible to the naked eye; we were off in some galactic cloud, at the edge of the frame, off in the distance.


Even still, as side characters, remember the reason why we are in this story in the first place: because the main character is in every scene we appear in. Jesus died not only for all his people, but you specifically. He rose from the dead to draw not just his people into eternal life, but to give life to you, specifically. And he speaks to all of his sheep, individually and specifically, by their own unique name, which he gives to them.


On the face of things, our part in God’s narrative may seem inconsequential. Yet to the Lord, it is of great importance. He thinks it to be of such great importance that he has included little old you and I.


There are many things that Jesus did. Were every one of them written, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Because he is still doing new things every day, in the lives of you and I, his beloved and precious people.


What is your place in God’s story? What new stories is God authoring in your life?


Great Author and Giver of Life, in whom all things have their beginning, end and eternity: give us such grand adventures that our lives may be accounts of the wonderful things you do, showing forth your glory in the stories of us, your creatures.

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