15

15

—he, turning round, sees John following, which I think is

characteristic of John. Peter wonders what the Lord might say

to John. The Lord said, in effect, to Peter, That is not your

matter—“If I will that he abide until I come, what is that to

thee?” John is careful to explain the Lord did not say he would

not die. But what John stands for goes through to the end, and

John is always in support of Paul. We, remember the word that

in pressing Paul we are not to neglect John. We need that

word tonight. What is required from each one of us is

unreserved committal to following Christ. He is the Leader,

“Follow thou me”. May the Lord help us to follow more closely,

more dependently, and more devotedly the blessed Person to

whom we owe everything, for our own blessing, and for His

glory, and to the glory of God. May the Lord bless His word.

Address at Melbourne

21 October 1988