Words of life
Luke 6:68 “Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’.”
Jesus’ disciples were falling away one by one. The dreams and ideas that they had of overthrowing the Roman government were slowly fading away. Jesus was not meeting their earthly, human expectations. They were disappointed in Him because they saw every day the Romans getting a stronger foothold while they were seemingly losing. The disciples were disgusted with what they saw, and they thought something better could be found elsewhere. As Jesus watched His band of followers leave He was heartbroken, and He turned to the twelve that were handpicked and asked them, “Do you want to go away, too?”
He asks us the same question. “I know you’re hurting, and the dreams you had haven’t panned out; so do you want to leave?” Do you think you can find something better without Him? I hope, and pray that I would have the courage that Peter had; and answer “Lord, where can I go because I know You, and You alone, can save me.” These disciples had watched Jesus as He healed the lame and sick; He had even raised the dead so they knew that He would save them. Perhaps their dreams were not being filled, but that only meant that they needed to change their dreams.
As I read this story I think of the story of the 7th century monk Paulinus. Paulinus had come to King Edwin in northern England, and was trying to convince him to urge his people to convert to Christianity. Paulinus debated with the king the virtues of Christianity. During the debate the king’s counselors were present and listening to the arguments of Paulinus.
When the monk had finished, one of the king’s counselors stood, and said, “Your majesty, on a winter night like this, it sometimes happens that a little bird flies in that window; to enjoy the warmth, and light of the fire. After a while it passes out again, into the cold and darkness. As I see it, our human life is much the same. We have but a brief time between two great darknesses. If this monk can show us warmth and light we should follow him.”
As human being you and I are destined for death where as the king’s counselor says, and I agree, we are headed into a great chasm of darkness. However, Jesus Christ promised to bring us from that darkness into His light. Jesus did not say that He would give us light to shine in the darkness, but He said that He was the light to give us the warmth and the glow we need.
But the ultimate choice is ours, like the bird we can choose to stay in the warmth and light that Jesus provides; or we can choose to leave and go back in the cold and dark world. I pray that God will give me the courage to say as Joshua did, “…as for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
Father, I thank You for being the great and awesome God that You are, and for providing me with the warmth and light of Your Son. I ask Father that You give me the strength and the wisdom to serve You today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The image above can be found at:
Yes, You Can Ministry 