Today's readings are Ecclesiastes 1.1-18 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Eccl.+1.1-18 ), John 6.60-71 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=John+6.60-71 ), and Esther 1.1-10.3 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Esther+1.1-10.3 ).
Jesus' statements in John 6 were offensive to his disciples, resulting in many people leaving him. Yet we have repeatedly seen in Scripture that God's decrees are right. We don't dispute what God has done or commanded. What is the result? Many who were following Jesus left him.
We don't know what Jesus thought of that. Is there disappointment in God the Son? Surely the departure of his disciples is nothing he did not know or expect. Yet doubtless there is sorrow over those who depart from faith in Christ.
What of Peter? He, so often the spokesman for the other eleven, made a confession upon which we may safely dwell. In John 6.68 (ESV) Peter says, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." What other confession do we need? Jesus has the words of eternal life. We can hold to him, trusting him to save us, deliver us safely to our destination. Even when the words of Jesus seem unlike what we would say, no, especially when the words of Jesus seem unlike what we would say, we can trust Jesus. He has the words of life.
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