We all have people in our lives we thought would always be with us – through thick and thin, ups and downs, and when we would need help.
It doesn’t always work out that way.
Jesus knew of these times as well.
He was teaching in the synagogue and knew some were complaining about Him. They found His words to be shocking, and difficult to understand, which made it harder to continue to follow Him.
Scripture tells us, at this point, many of His disciples turned away and deserted Him.
They were no longer willing to walk alongside of Jesus. His claims were counter-cultural and not pleasing to the crowd. The tide was beginning to turn. The crowd was thinning, as they found His teachings becoming more difficult to put into practice. It is at this point, Jesus turns and asks a question:
“So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?”
(John 6:67, NASB)
Jesus asks, not out of concern for Himself, but for the Twelve, for He knew their faith was weakening. He also knew the hardest part of His own journey was yet to come.
As I read those words, I cannot help but wonder … What does it take to stay? To have a faith that will go the full length of the walk with Jesus, no matter how difficult it may become?
The answer seems to lie in the response of one disciple:
“Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.
We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”
(John 6:68-69, NASB)
Peter knew there was no one other and no place else to go. Jesus was the One – the Messiah, the Son of God. Peter may fail but it is to this truth which he will return.
And we need to be convinced of the same:
“For I am convinced
[and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and
threatening, nor things to come, nor powers,
nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing,
will be able to
separate us from the [unlimited] love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus
our Lord.”
(Romans 8:38-39, Amplified)
The Apostles Creed is a simple, and most powerful, statement of faith. It is a beautiful reminder of the basis of our faith, that which we believe. Every time I hear, recite, or sing it, my faith is bolstered and strengthened.
Do you need a reminder from time to time of the unchanging truths of the gospel?
Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel on Unsplash
Thanks, JoAnne. Your writing truly inspires and affirms my faith, Janie
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janie. To know that encourages me and affirms my faith. We all need one another! Blessings!
DeleteLoved the message and I sang along with The Apostles Creed - Truth!
ReplyDeleteThe song has meant much to me over the years. It will always guide me into remembering truth.
DeleteWhen I was seven and gave my life to Christ, I remember being fearful that I could be faithful for a lifetime - but God has grown me into that commitment. Love this message - because there is no one else or no where else but Him!
ReplyDeleteMaryleigh, it is amazing how God grows us over the course of our lifetime. It is all Him and always by His grace.
DeleteThank you, Joanne! There's so much to study and live out in the disciple's answer. As I read it, my eyes are drawn to the words - 'have come to know'. So much living and so much of God's grace and faithfulness in those four short words. I'm so grateful for the steadfast love of God that never leaves us.
ReplyDeleteCarlie, I am so glad you shared the words to which your eyes were drawn. May we also "come to know" God's Word for then we will always know to Whom we can go. Blessings!
DeleteSometimes it helps to go back to the basics, doesn't it? To remind ourselves of the truth of who He is and of His Word--and of the exclusivity of His truth. I'm so glad He drew us to Himself and opened our eyes to His truth.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, every once in a while I have to :) It keeps me grounded and reminds me of the truth which I need to live each day. And yes, I am most grateful He opened our eyes and drew us to Himself!
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