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Even Jesus Face Deserters
John TiltonJohn 6:60-66 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spiritand life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
I am amazed as how some of Jesus disciples deserted Him because they found His words hard or perhaps confusing, even after seeing the miracles He performed. I wonder how one can see such miracles and not believe. Yet, we know that Jesus was steadfast as He knew who He was and the words and truths that He was speaking was of God. Thus, he encouraged them to leave and some did. One might wonder if Jesus felt discouraged? I believe that He probably felt concerned not about their leaving, but their disbelief which ultimately if it caused them to walk away from Jesus would mean walking away from His gift of eternal life.
I am prompted by these scriptures to be stalwart when like Jesus I do not have the full support of those I am looking for support from, or for those in the world who do not believe what I believe. When there are those who will challenge my beliefs or those that speak down my beliefs, I need to be bold to take a stand regardless of the outcome. There will be doubters, naysayers and those that outright challenge my beliefs and work against me, even friends turning from me. Yet, I know the truth and need to permit the truth to keep me strong, perseverant and not looking for the approval of people, but the approval of God and knowing that I am in His will and doing His will.
Lord, guide and guard me to be stalwart in who I am in Christ, what I know of you and how I example you in my life, not looking for the approval of others, but that I am approved by you.
