10/23/2019
When following our faith becomes hard, the direction that scripture is taking us becomes a puzzle, or the lure of the world becomes too strong, are we tempted to walk away from our faith? It is one thing to be tempted, because Satan will tempt, but it is quite another to respond to that temptation. God has called us to Him through Jesus much as we choose our friends, because He is confident that we will not desert Him. Are we truly called to Him, or just following the crowd?
“So Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?"”
John 6:67 ESV
Many people came out to listen as Jesus spoke. He had crowds following him that called themselves His disciples, as witnessed when He fed them by the miracle of the loaves and fishes, but not all of them were called to God; some were just following the crowd, wanting to see a miracle, or merely testing the waters to see if this man had something they wanted. Which are we? Are we called to God through Christ, or just one of the thrill seekers?
“But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."”
John 6:64-65 ESV
I remember going to the circus when I was a boy. I watched the high wire acts with wide eyes, and held my breath as they would fly through the air... hoping upon hope that their hands would latch onto the bar of another swing. I oohed, and ahhed, as the lion trainers cracked their whips, and made ferocious lions and tigers reluctantly do tricks; when in my mind they would rather have eaten this man and his beautiful assistant. All of the various acts enchanted me, and I couldn’t wait to hear who the ringmaster would introduce next. Many of those who came to hear Jesus speak were like me, and the other circus goers... they were thrill seekers, or wanting to see the bearded lady. Jesus realized this, and even made light of giving them a greater thrill...
“Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?”
John 6:62 ESV
When the show was over, I would leave the big top with my adrenaline flowing and my eyes wide open. I would think to myself that being in the circus would be an amazing life, and that maybe I would develop an act, and join the circus one day. I heard stories of boys who ran off to join the circus, but in all truth, most of those stories didn’t end well. But at that moment I was convinced that it might work out just fine for me... it was the fruit of an overactive imagination. Of course when I saw the western show I felt the same way about becoming a cowboy!
So why do we follow Jesus, and why do we seek God? Are we true believers, and love Him, or are we like the awestruck child I was when I fantasized about joining the circus? In fact, God is awesome indeed, Jesus performs miracles, the stories of Faith are amazing, and many of us are called to buy a ticket to watch the show, but very few of us feel a calling to leave our comfortable homes, and join the troop of true believers... to become faithful disciples, and children of God. Are you called to know Him, and to abide in His glory and excellence?
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”
2 Peter 1:3-4 ESV
In our opening scripture, those that walked away when Jesus told them that He was going to give them His flesh to eat (Referring to the initiation of Communion), found the thought repulsive, and didn’t stay long enough to uncover His mystery revealed... to see the puzzle solved. They didn’t know Him well enough to trust in Him, and so, what Jesus was telling them offended their senses... it was too hard for them to accept. This is what occurs when our faith has not been strengthened by exercise, and we go to see Jesus revealed, but never really touch Him, or allow Him to touch us... He calls to us, but we don’t hear, believe, or obey.
“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:10-11 ESV
So, when you go to see the Lord, will it be in response to the call of God to become a true believer, or will you just be enticed by a hawker selling tickets to the show? Will you think yourself a disciple, but give into the first gentle breeze of temptation? Will you practice your faith by following Jesus, and knowing Him more each day? Will you enter eternity holding the hand of Christ, and in answer to the call of God to “Come!”? Listen for His voice and come!
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling us to you, and for your Son Jesus Christ who cleanses us of our sin, and prepares us to answer your call. Thank you Holy Father for strengthening our faith, and preparing us to rebuff all of the temptation that Satan woos us with. Open our ears to the sound of your voice, and give us a burning desire to know you more. Provide us escape from all temptation, and root us in your Word so that when we are asked to do and believe the hard things of faith we will not falter, or turn away. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who calls us to Him through Jesus Christ. Great are you who has sent His Holy Spirit to give us understanding, and help us as we faithfully work out our salvation. Praised be your name Father, because even from before the foundation of the world, you have known us, and prepared us to hear your voice. Merciful are you to reach out to us while we were yet sinners, and open our eyes to the sacrifice, and forgiving power of Jesus. All glory is yours Gracious Lord, made perfect in your grace that flows through Jesus. We will worship and sing to you. We will put on the armor of your Holy Word, and remain steadfast in the moments of doubt, and temptation because you have strengthened us in our faith. You are He who we love with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength... call us now as you did Paul...
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,”
2 Timothy 1:8-9 ESV
Amen
Rich Forbes