“To Whom?” - September 23, 2020
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68
In our household September 23 brings to mind a particular person: Carolyn’s mother, who passed on just over two years ago. It would have been her 81st birthday today. John 6:68 is the verse she chose to be read and reflected upon during her funeral. The same verse was used at Carolyn’s parents’ wedding many years before. For both parents John 6:68 was both prescriptive and descriptive of their trust and dependency on God in Christ throughout life, no matter the challenges.
John 6:68 contains words spoken by Jesus’ friend Peter in response to the question, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” The query comes just as enthusiasm for Jesus is starting to wane and people are deserting him. Peter sizes up the situation and decides that whatever other options there are to following Jesus, they are neither worth it nor life-giving.
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Whatever the stressors in our lives or the temptations to look elsewhere for fulfillment, Peter’s response to Jesus directs us back to the truest and deepest source of hope, strength and peace: the crucified and risen One, Jesus Christ.
The message at Mom’s funeral ended with words from Psalm 73:23-25. “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterwards you will receive me with honor. Whom have I in heaven but you? You, O God, are the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
PRAYER ENCOURAGEMENT: Dear God, help us to see Jesus, to listen to Jesus, to follow Jesus. Help us to realize again today that there is no one else who holds the words of eternal and abundant life. In his name. AMEN.
Through this link the song In Christ Alone is offered by Common Ground Church of South Africa. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEGOkBHttEg
