John 6:66-69
After this, many of his disciples turned back and were not walking with him anymore. So Jesus asked the Twelve, “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”
Applying God’s Word for today: Turning away from or walking with Jesus
It is amazing that the people who had been following Jesus, witnessing His miracles, hearing His teachings, and walking with Him left Him when He told them they must consume Him completely. This is similar to John’s revelation about the city of Laodicea. They were lukewarm in their faith, neither hot nor cold, meaning they claimed to be Christians but would not commit to believing in Jesus. We might call them fence straddlers today.
Distractions, challenges, false teachings, and life happen all around us. People question us for believing what we believe and for holding on to the love of God and the forgiveness of sins. So what do we do when these things and more happen? Do we leave, or do we answer with Peter, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life.” If you see your faith as something you are going to eventually get around to, it may be that all of a sudden—a wreck, a fire, a diagnosis, or another sudden end—it is too late.
We are never promised more time; we are promised the moment we are in. Is your salvation a priority, or is this life your priority? Will you walk away because it’s too hard? (How God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy are too hard for some to understand is a mystery. Why do so many reject Him?) Or will you cling to Jesus?
God knew you before you were born, and He wants you to be with Him for eternity, but He forces no one. He offers you the gift of salvation, paid for by the blood of His Son on the cross. By faith, which the Holy Spirit begins in you, you believe and trust in God’s love and forgiveness. The result of faith is twofold. We love God above all else and desire to be with Him because He has the words of eternal life. Jesus’ forgiveness unlocks heaven’s door. He has it unlocked for you, but if you walk away, you will never know. The other is loving those around you; share these words to trust in Jesus and have eternal life.
Dear Lord Jesus, please send us your Holy Spirit so that, through faith, we may remain with you. Let us hold fast to the words of eternal life, trusting that you are the Holy One of God, sent to save us from all our sins and restore us to the righteousness of the Father. Keep us and sustain us until the end, never abandoning us. Amen.
We cannot earn or work our way to salvation or heaven; only faith in Jesus is the way. When the world comes at you and tries to tempt you away, turn to your Savior, go with Him, and He will see you through.