Scripture
"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 21:20-22).
Observation
When farmers used to use draft horses, they would equip them with blinders, or small blockers on either side of their eyes to cut out their peripheral vision. This was also used in racing horses as well, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Additionally, blinkers (then usually known as winkers) are commonly seen on driving horses that pulled street carriages, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets.
Here in the book of John, Jesus puts some divine blinders on Peter. Not in order to reduce his vision but to fortify it.
Peter saw John and wanted to know what would happen to him. If Jesus would ascend into heaven soon, they needed know what would happen to them. Peter was curious, so he asked Jesus for a glimpse into the future.
But even though He could, He didn't answer Peter's request. Instead He refocused him back to his own responsibility and calling. I guess Jesus knew that we would drift from His calling if we put our eyes on what others are doing.
Application
If the devil can't destroy you, he'll distract you. Why? Because in the end, God will not hold you accountable for what you have done as much as He will hold you accountable for how much of what He has called you to do that you have done. This is why it is absolutely crucial to know what you assignment is and what you will hold as values in your life. These I call your last 5%.
85% of what you do, anyone can do. Answering email, going to meetings, doing errands, etc. 10% of what you do, someone with similar training as you have received can accomplish. For example if you are an accountant, many with the same training can do the same work. In fact, there are millions of other accountants in the world. If you are a computer programmer, there are another million out there.
But 5% of what you do, only you can do. Be a father to your children, grow in your faith, make wise decisions in every area of life, keep you health at its optimum, etc. These are the elements that you must know and keep before you. In the end, it is the 5% that God will hold you accountable for.
For these, I need blinders. Divine blinders so I will not become distracted. Jesus fit Peter with a pair, and I must ask Him for the same. I want to run the race in such a way that I win, and what will cause me to fail is distractions. So it's time to retrofit my life. Might look a bit funny, but it's better to com across the line with these than to run across the wrong line or never finish at all.
Prayer
Father, I do ask that You help me to stay focused on what you have asked of me. I will continue to write it down and stay with my hand to the right plow, the plow you assigned to me.
