DAILY DEVOTION, August 20, 2021

But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

In John chapter 6 Jesus said some things that His hearers did not understand. As a result, many who had been following Jesus turned away. Have you ever felt this way? Those who encounter unusual difficulties in life may be tempted to turn their backs on Jesus. I have read books by unbelievers who argue that some of Jesus’ words make no sense, so they reject Him. I recall a woman in my hometown of Peoria, Illinois, who lost a beloved son-in-law to cancer and for a time turned her back on Jesus and His church. Yes, bad things happen to Christian people. We think, “If God loves me, why did He allow this to happen?”

Jesus turns to His twelve apostles as He watches followers leaving in droves and asks, “Will you go away also?” Peter asks. “To whom shall we go?” Good question. If you reject Jesus, where do you go from there? Is there a superior Savior somewhere? Jesus promises eternal life to those who follow Him. That is good enough for Peter even though Jesus sometimes speaks and acts in bewildering ways. I hope it is good enough for you.

Father, I must confess that sometimes I do not understand You or Your Son. Some of His teachings leave me confused. But I agree with Peter. If I reject Jesus, where do I go? Father, help me trust Your Son even when I do not understand His words or ways. I believe He alone can grant eternal life. In His name, I pray, Amen.