John 6:66-68
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.
Applying God’s Word for Today: Remain in the Word even when it is difficult.
At times, life events and the world’s challenges leave us in doubt. How did this happen? It rattles us to the core. In those moments, even our faith can be shaken. Such was the case with Jesus and His disciples. He told His disciples they needed to consume Him; He needed to be part of them. Yet this was more than they could bear to hear, and “many of His disciples turned back and were not walking with Him anymore.”
It can be difficult these days, as we see the masses turn away from Christ-centered teaching toward someone who preaches what itching ears desire. Numbers, programs, and great bands don’t measure a church’s success; success is measured by the unfiltered gospel being preached. That is the place where one hears the words of eternal life. Is the message about the pastor’s opinion and worldly advice, or is it the words of Holy Scripture that can make you wise to salvation? In those wise words, the Holy Spirit works to strengthen your faith. Only in God’s Word do you realize your sins and know there is no way out except through Christ. Jesus is the way, the only way to bring salvation. He accomplished your forgiveness by His suffering and death; His resurrection means “it is finished.” Cling to Christ!
Dear Lord Jesus, to whom else should we go? You have the words of eternal life. May those who do not know You seek You; let Your words of salvation ring in their ears. Do not abandon those who have turned away from the sound teaching of Your Gospel; call them back. Let us all hear Your words of forgiveness so that we may remain with You forever. Amen.
Sometimes we want to hear that what we are doing is okay, especially when it is not, because we are stuck in a sin rut. Hearing about our sins can be difficult, but it is necessary. Your salvation depends on Christ, and He delivers that forgiveness through His Word. Go where you hear the truth and are forgiven—and do not turn away.