Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Jesus Is The Way - Following Is Not Easy

My Utmost For His Highest
 
Do you also want to go away? —John 6:67
 
What a penetrating question! Our Lord’s words often hit home for us when He speaks in the simplest way. In spite of the fact that we know who Jesus is, He asks, “Do you also want to go away?” We must continually maintain an adventurous attitude toward Him, despite any potential personal risk. “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66). They turned back from walking with Jesus[…] One thing God constantly requires of us is a oneness with Jesus Christ. After being set apart through sanctification, we should discipline our lives spiritually to maintain this intimate oneness. [..] All that is required is to live a natural life of absolute dependence on Jesus Christ. […] And His way means absolute devotion to Him. Showing no concern for the uncertainties that lie ahead is the secret of walking with Jesus.”  CHAMBERS
 
“All that is required is absolute dependence…”  easier said than done.  (John 6:60)  “On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?””  Most of those who followed stopped following because they could not accept what Jesus was saying .. what Jesus required.  The truth is that they were unwilling to accept what He said because it was contrary to their thinking, to their plan and purpose. Jesus said, (Luke 12:51-53) “Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”  Not everyone will receive Jesus.  Laying down your life.  Giving complete devotion in faith to the Lord is something that challenges everyone.  We live by faith and trust in God.  At least that is what it says on the back of our paper money.  But those are just words.  The culture is the United States is a greater metaphor for John chapter 6.  A culture that once followed, but now has turned away from following … to follow another.
 
(John 6:68-69) “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.””  What say you?  Do you believe that Jesus has the words of eternal life?  Do you “still” believe that He is the Holy One Of God?  Someone once said you only believe the part of the Bible that you obey.  You can’t do it by sheer will power.  By trying harder.  Only by yielding your life to Him.  Everyday.  ELGIN
 
“WHERE COULD I GO BUT TO THE LORD”
 
Living below in this old sinful world,  Hardly a comfort can afford, Striving alone to face temptation's sword,  Where could I go but to the Lord
 
Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone, We get along in sweet accord , But when my soul needs manna from above, Where could I go but to the Lord
 
Where could I go Oh, where could I go, Seeking a refuge for my soul, Needing a friend to help me in the end, Brother won’t you tell me Where could I go but to the Lord
 
Charley Elgin

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