In
the sixth chapter of John, the Jews complained about Jesus, because
He claimed to be the bread of life from Heaven. They didn't
understand who He was. Though he tried to explain who
He was, they failed to grasp the TRUTH! Logically, they thought He
was ONLY the son of Joseph and Mary. They thought He was ONLY a mere
man. The idea that He came down from Heaven as bread to be eaten,
and His blood was to be drank, troubled them greatly.
Why, He was just like them! He had earthly parents, as did they!
Jesus knew they were arguing amongst themselves about these things. He knew the
idea OFFENDED them. He knew they were trying to understand with
their intellects a SPIRITUAL concept! So, what did He do? He told
them to STOP "murmuring among yourselves". How often
as Christ followers...disciples of Jesus...do we murmur among
ourselves, not understanding SPIRITUAL TRUTH, because we can't wrap
our minds around it? Admittedly, more often than we should! Perhaps,
at times, we are just like the Jews in this story. We have a tendency,
because of our flesh, to interpret TRUTH with our brain.
However, SPIRITUAL understanding is NOT a function limited to the mind of
man...it is a function of the mind of CHRIST...or the SPIRIT at work
in our minds and spirits! As humans, we often make decisions
concerning our present, based on our past. Initially, this is not a
bad habit. We learn not to touch a hot iron from having been burned
by one in the past. We remember past mistakes, and thereby avoid
repeating them (or hopefully we do). While this is normal, it can be a
hindrance to spiritual revelation. When Jesus told the disciples
(which means "learner", and could have been a believer or
unbeliever) He was the bread
of life, and that anyone who ate of His flesh would have eternal
life, a large portion of them could not handle it. They couldn't
understand the spiritual meaning of eating Christ's flesh, and
drinking His blood...it just didn't make sense! Jews were not even
supposed to taste blood, let alone drink it! Consequently, many
of the disciples (learners) left Jesus. Why would they leave Him?! Hadn't they
seen Him perform miracles?! Hadn't they experienced the magnitude of
His power?! Yes, many of them had! Yet, it was not enough. Their ability to
believe was directly related to their sense of logic. Unfortunately,
many Christians today, have the same dilemma. We must remember,
God's ways are NOT our ways. His thoughts are higher than our
thoughts. Jesus explained that the flesh profits nothing, but the
Spirit brings LIFE! Many of the so called disciples
(learners) had left Jesus, so, He turned to HIS disciples He had
chosen and asked if they wanted to go away too. Simon Peter replied,
"Lord, to whom should we go? You have the words of eternal
life. Also, we have come to believe and know that you are the
Christ, the Son of the living God". Peter's reply is so
revealing of his heart! He loved Jesus. He had left all of the
things he formerly pursued, to pursue Christ! He had nothing to
return to! He had invested all he had to be a disciple! Peter
proclaimed that Jesus was Savior...the Son of God. By his words and
his actions Peter was defined as a TRUE DISCIPLE! What defines you?
Your words and your actions. Hopefully, your words line up with
God's Word, and your actions support what you say. Those disciples
who left Jesus were not totally committed to Him...they were
interested in what He had to say, until it challenged their old
ways. Jesus had encroached upon their comfort zone. They were
holding on to their traditions, rituals, and pre-conceived ideas.
They allowed their old sacred concepts to cloud the TRUTH.
Unfortunately, they missed out by rejecting the spiritual power
offered to them. What about you? Are you a TRUE DISCIPLE of Christ?
Are you willing to accept the TRUTH found in God's Word even when it
opposes what you have previously held to be true? Are you willing to
lay down your life COMPLETELY to follow Jesus? Ask the Lord if you
have anything to return to if you left Him. Think about it. Get
quiet before God, and search your heart. The Holy Spirit (who
imparts spiritual truth) will confirm your heart FULLY belongs to
Jesus; or convict you of areas that you have not surrendered to Him.
The Holy Spirit will NOT condemn you. He is here to help us. He is
here to guide us. He is here to reveal and comfort. Remember, God's
love will never violate His truth...and His truth will never violate
His love. It is YOUR choice to receive the revelations of the Holy
Spirit...or reject them. Ultimately, you will either receive Jesus
or reject Him. In John 6 He was rejected by some. On the other hand,
He was received by others. Those who stayed with Jesus experienced
SO MUCH MORE as the days passed! They continued to walk and talk
with Jesus. They continued to be enlightened, and encouraged. Those
who doubted, left, and missed out on the relationship Jesus was
offering. He is offering us the same relationship TODAY. He is
offering to impart His Spirit to us TODAY. But know this...He will
not force you to do anything...it is up to you. I hope you choose
wisely. Until next time, may you be BLESSED with God's BEST!
Your
Partner In Ministry,
Greg McCowen
Covenant
Life Fellowship - Lubbock Church - (806) 771-4244
