21-day challenge Day #6: John 6

Read: John 6

My Key Verses: John 6:67-68 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

My Reflections: Jesus made statements that were hard to accept regarding what was necessary to have life. Statements about eating flesh and drinking blood may have been the biggest obstacle for his Jewish listeners, or maybe they understood his symbolism but couldn't get past the exclusiveness of his requirements. Either way, verse 66 says that many disciples abandoned him at this point. He looks to his leadership...his main 12 disciples and questions why they have stayed while so many have left.

It's Peter that answers him. Peter...who has absolutely no filter between cerebrum and mouth; Peter...often in err but never in doubt; Peter...100%, whole-hearted, fully committed, let's-get-to-it...

Peter speaks openly and honestly -- "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Those are words of desperation. "We have no where else to turn..." "We have painted ourselves into this corner..." "We believe in You and now that we've tasted, there is no other food."

Desperation can be scary but its a good place to be with God. Desperation doesn't fear failure..."what is there to lose?" Desperation won't stop at half-way..."this may be our only shot." Desperation is focused..."I must hold on or die."

I think that if I allowed myself more time to consider the state of my life, the state of human existence and the holiness of God, I would find myself more desperate. I would find myself longing just to get a glimpse of the One who is the Holy One of God...straining to hear a whisper from the One who has the words of eternal life.

My Prayer: God disturb my casual contentment. Wake me up to the urgency that exists all around me. Prune away the things in my life that hold me back from giving you my complete loyalty. Help me rid my life of anything that smacks of dualism...I want every aspect of my life to be built on my relationship to You. You and only You have the words of eternal life. Wreck me with your ridiculous love for me and for every person that I come across. I am waiting and listening.