Have We?

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  John 6:68

Peter and the rest of the disciples had just witnessed a devastating event. Great crowds had been coming out to listen to the preaching of Jesus, and to see His miraculous works. Especially the works. They loved what He was doing for them. They had less interest in what He wanted to do in them. This was proven in their response to His most recent words. He'd told them that no one could follow HIm who was not willing to completely die to themselves and their own desires and then follow Him to wherever He would lead. Scripture says that at this, many turned away and would follow Him no more. What had been many now became just a few. Jesus asked the remaining disciples if they would leave Him as well? Peter spoke for them all with his words shown above. Where would they go? He alone had the words of life they so desperately needed.

In my prayer journal, I've got the question, "Have we made the choice that, no matter what, we are going on with Him?" I don't believe we can truly follow Him until we've made that choice and answered that question. We're sure to be tested in it.The choice needs to be made before the crisis comes, and there will be a crisis. If our commitment to Him has yet to be made, it is unlikely we will go on. The crowd didn't. It's easy to be part of the crowd. It's far harder, impossible really, apart from His grace, to be a disciple. And our discipleship will be tested regularly. With loss, disappointment, sacrifice, failure. The pull of the fickle crowd will be there. Is our walk with Him so entwined with His heart and life that the pull of His heart far outweighs that of the disposition of the crowd?

I've shared often about the hard places of my life. Many of them were devastating beyond words. Yet, I never considered turning away from Him. I knew there was no place to go if I did. I knew that going back to what my life was without Him would be far worse than anything that might come with my life in Him. I knew that death was all that awaited me in my turning away. Scripture talks of those who would rather have the riches found in Him than to own all the treasures of this world. I knew in my heart that the lyrics of the old hymn were gloriously true; It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus. One look at His dear face, all sorrows will erase. It will be. It is. 

Losses and crosses will mark our lives on this side of eternity. Have we made the choice that none of that will deter us from following after Him? Have we? Have you? 

Blessings,

Pastor O