To Whom Shall We Go?

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.  So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  John 6:66-68

Peter’s words in response to Jesus’ question are clear confession of Jesus Christ being the true Messiah and that His Words are truth and life.  However, there is a tinge of sadness just before Peter’s words.  Jesus had fed the crowds with just a few loaves and fish.  Now the crowd wanted to know what they were to do and instead Jesus calls them to believe in the One sent by God.  Then He tells them that He is the bread of life and that those who eat of His flesh will live forever.  The response is first grumbling and then many turned away and no longer followed Him.

Sometimes pastors and church workers feel they need to make God’s Word more palatable to people.  With the hostility towards God’s Word that we see all around us, many servants of God’s Word feel under pressure not to offend others.  The reality is though that the message we proclaim of Christ and Him crucified can indeed be a stumbling block for some.  Our response is not to think that we can make God’s Word more desirable, but simply to tell people that there is only one to whom we can turn, for Christ alone has the words of eternal life.

While church workers should always avoid being offensive in their conduct, they should never fear proclaiming God’s Word because someone might be offended.  These are times where people claim to be offended about many things.  We are simply called to follow Jesus in faith and speak His Word and allow the Spirit to bring forth the growth.  Our congregations are the places where we go to hear the Word of God.  Our pastors are not called to grow those congregations, but to proclaim Christ and Him crucified because only this message can bring life for the world.

Prayer – Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound, but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You in the confession of Your name and abide unto the end; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen. 

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan