Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (Collect for Purity)

Almighty God: to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid; cleanse the thoughts of my heart through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, that I may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ my Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – John 6:59-71 (NLT)

He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”

Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

Then Jesus said, “I chose the twelve of you, but one is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, one of the Twelve, who would later betray him.
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Morning Reflection:

On Accepting Hard Truths

In today’s reading, the crowd of 5,000+ has abandoned Jesus, and to the Twelve remaining Jesus asks – “Are you also going to leave?”

In John Chapter 6, the story has moved from the miracle (feeding five thousand), to the man behind the miracle (Jesus, the Bread of Life), to the mystery behind the man (God’s sovereignty over eternal life). And now as Jesus teaches in the synagogue, the crowd is flabbergasted – except for the Twelve.

What made the difference? The Twelve were willing to accept Jesus’ teaching even if they didn’t fully understand everything he said. And so it is today.

+ Only people who are born of the Spirit can accept the hard truths found in God’s Word.

+ Only people who are willing to confront their sin can accept the hard truths found in God’s Word.

+ Only people who are willing to confront their cultural and religious biases can accept the hard truths found in God’s Word.

+ Only people who are given to Jesus by the Father can accept the hard truths found in God’s Word.

And in the end, they are the ones who see, believe, and receive the eternal life that Jesus offers.

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

Questions for consideration:

• What comes to mind when you think of “hard truths” in God’s word?
• How do you respond when a “hard truth” relates to you, or your lifestyle?
• Do you believe that Jesus is “the Holy One of God”?
• What difference does it make?

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Morning Prayer:

Sovereign God: Our lives are in your hands – send us your Spirit that we might confess your Son, Jesus Christ, as “the Holy One of God” and believe in him for eternal life. Confront our sin and cultural biases that run counter to your Word; and, in your mercy, forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Strengthen us in faith that we might love and serve you, and faithfully follow Jesus to the Cross, and beyond. All to the glory of your name. Amen.
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“No Turning Back” – For King And Country

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen