Back in the day when you were young . . . .

Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.” This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” (John 21:18-19)

"Back in the day" . . . "In my younger days" . . ."When I was your age" . . .We often say these things when talking with our youth today discussing activities and trends in today's world. Jesus was directing His talk with Peter here in John 21 as He was having a fish fry with His followers on the beach.

Peter would come to understand that when he was young, he was pretty much in control of what he did and where he went. However, in his old age, as a follower of Jesus Christ, he would suffer, be jailed, and eventually crucified upside down! But Jesus gave Him some encouragement: "Follow Me!"

As we age (and the closer we get in our relationship with Christ) we will find our selves a bit more restricted physically and socially. Friends may dwindle. Our physical abilities will not be what they used to be. We will not be able to go where we used to go or do what we used to do quite as often. We may even find ourselves a bit isolated and misunderstood. . . perhaps even ostracized!

These are the days when we remember Whom we are following! As our life gets more restrictive and friends become few, we must remember to keep following Jesus! He will never leave us nor forsake us!