Joni Eareckson Tada once pointed out that when we picture Jesus, we often think of Him the way He is portrayed in Sunday School papers and Bible story books. He sits serenely on a grassy hill, under a blue sky filled with white fluffy clouds. “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild.” But the Bible reveals a much different picture. As Jesus powerfully preached the truth of God’s Word, people felt convicted of their sin. Some got angry and defensive. They were offended by the gospel message.
It’s true. And it wasn’t just the Pharisees.
John 6:60 tells us that after one sermon, Jesus’ followers exclaimed, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” and “From this time, many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.”
Jesus looked to the Twelve and asked them a piercing question: “Will you also go away? Do you too desire to leave Me?”
Simon Peter responded simply, “Lord, to whom shall we go? Only You have the words of eternal life… We have learned to believe and trust; and more, we have come to know surely that you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” (John 6:68-69, Amplified)
That’s really what it all comes down to, isn’t it?
We don’t always understand God. We don’t always like what He chooses to do, what He allows in our lives, the things He asks us to do. There are times when we’re hurt and angry and disappointed. There are times when our faith is almost shattered.
But where else can we go?
Only Jesus has the words of eternal life – we know that He is the Son of God. There is no other Hope. No other Help for us.
So we hang on to Him with every ounce of strength we’ve got left, convinced that somehow He’ll see us through this storm.
He always does.
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Listen to this beautiful prayer sung by Steve Green:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07-Vp5LGR2g
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If you’re participating in Summer in the Son — Virtual VBS For GrownUp Girls, don’t forget to read John Chs 6-7 and memorize John 6:35.
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Today’s Question: Do you think sometimes we try too hard to make God “make sense” to us? How does it feel to let go of our expectations and explanations and just hold onto Him for dear life?
