Sep
08
2008
Following Christ in Good Times and Bad
“Do you want to go away as well?”
- Jesus to His disciples (John 6:67)
Jesus’ teachings are often hard to accept because of the way he challenges our thought processes and the worldly principles we unthinkingly accept.
The Apostle John records an incident in which several of those who had been following Jesus could no longer embrace his radical teachings, and so, offended at his words, they turned back and no longer walked with Him. Jesus’ spine-tingling remark to His faithful twelve follows: “Do you want to go away as well?”
There are times when every Christian feels the way of Jesus is too difficult, too unfamiliar, and too impractical. How can we go on?
Others around us will renounce the journey and no longer walk with him, refusing to accept his teachings and spurning his non-compromising standards. In those moments of sorrow and disappointment in those who at one time walked next to us in our pursuit of Christ, we can hear Jesus’ piercing question speak to our own heart: “Do you want to go away as well?”
Our answer should be as bold and honest as Peter’s: “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
The true disciple understands, even in those moments of difficulty when the cause seems unattainable and the fight seems lost, that there is no other person to turn to. We are found in him. The passionate follower has risked and abandoned all in the pursuit of his master and obedience to his commands.
When those around you discourage you by their unbelief or unsteady commitment, through your tears, remember who it is you’re following, who it is you have committed your life to, and who has loved you enough to call you as his disciple.
Then, in humility and recognition, answer Jesus’ question with Peter’s words: “You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”