Don't Go Away

John 6:60-69

60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

First off, please forgive me for being so tardy with sending out my devotions. Life has given me a bit of a twist as of May 1st. I lost my job due to a contractual event, and have been in search mode for a new job. I was let go, not of anything I did, but there was no other positions within my company at the time and our contract ended. Anyway... Please pray for me and my family as we traverse this unchartered territory. I am still involved with things at Still Waters and will continue to serve you all in that calling God has placed on me. God has already blessed me with so much, that I cannot turn my back in Him now!

As life throws us some curve balls from time to time, we may find ourselves with our backs up against the wall, not knowing which way to go. Do we fight it it out and endure the hardships? Or do we let go and just walk away?

As Jesus was gaining followers and converting people with His gospel, many who travelled with Him had seen and heard things that they thought were too much to bear. They complained that His teachings were to hard, and they just didn't get the message.

So, a few bellyachers packed up and went back home. They weren't willing to stick it out. They didn't think all this "following Jesus" thing was worth the trouble.

That was 2000 years ago, and we still see the same thing happening today. Churches have become stale in attendance, as many have left and not returned. We can blame it on COVID-19. The pandemic we encountered certainly did not help, but we cannot blame the apostasy going on today all on the pandemic.

The bible is clear that there will be an apostasy, a departure from the faith in the end times - which we are most certainly in now!

However, some churches thrived during the pandemic and have grown because of it. I think in part they were willing to stick it out, no matter how hard it got. In short, people cling to their faith.

But if we take a closer look at ourselves and examine our hearts, and ask the tough questions regarding our faith - especially in extreme tough times - how are you going to respond? Are you going to cave in and give up? Or will you sit and watch a church service from the comfort of your home? Or are you going to engage in a fellowship with other believers, with a full heart to worship our Lord and Savior, who has the word of life?

What would you say to Jesus if He asked you, "Do you also want to go away?"

Your humble servant in Christ,

Tom