Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 6:52-71 & Psalm 12
“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.” John 6:67-68
The question of loyalty inevitably confronts a follower of Christ. It arises in various ways, but it always involves the Savior.
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, a great number willingly and eagerly chose to go follow Him. The things He said and did must have deeply impressed them. But after hearing more about God’s will and His plan for salvation, they realized that following Jesus involved real and true discipleship. This was not in their plans! Many drifted away.
Now the Lord faces the Twelve and places the loyalty question squarely before them. After watching so many leave, they might have thought, “Is Jesus right—or are all those former followers right?” Torn between leaving with the crowd and staying with Jesus, the disciples had a hard decision to make.
The same situation confronts you and me and every other true believer and follower of Christ. Some who profess loyalty to Christ later waver and drift from His side. Materialism and secularism continue to claim more and more followers of Christ. Perhaps only half the membership of a given congregation shows up at church on Sunday morning. Why?
Again and again, the loyalty question confronts us. You don’t want to leave, too, do you? Christ’s question demands a direct, definite yes or no. Listen to Peter’s answer. Can you give the same reply?
Prayer
Almighty and gracious God, who searches for all who wander and go astray, give us the grace to daily confess, through thought, word, and action, our loyalty and faithfulness to Jesus Christ, and bear witness to Him who has the words of eternal life, through whom we pray. Amen.
Response
In what ways can you strengthen and encourage those among your friends and family who are facing the question of loyalty?