Today’s scripture: John 6:60-71 (NRSV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
I remember when I was in high school and thinking about my career options. I thought along the lines of Math and Science because they were my favorite subjects. I was one of those high school nerds that really got into Physics and Calculus, and was on the school Math Team.
My Grandmother had asked me (well, maybe told me) on several occasions, that I ought to be a doctor and go to medical school. The images of what I would see and have to deal with would make my stomach turn! I remember in Biology getting the creeps from just explaining something in words without even seeing it.
But when I thought about the years and years of dedication it takes to be a doctor, well, that kind of commitment was out of reach in my mind. I wasn’t ready to commit the next ten years to school and a lifetime to blood and guts. So, I majored in engineering and worked on the medical side from a more technical and design perspective.
When I read today’s passage, I get caught up in the response to the teaching. The disciples indicate that the teaching in yesterday’s passage about the living bread “being my flesh” was difficult. The words convey some obscure imagery, but I think the spiritual meaning about eating and drinking is about becoming a true disciple in Christ — being “consumed” by the call of Christ — committing to a lifetime of discipleship.
Many of the disciples turn back because they did not have the level of commitment Jesus required. They no longer followed Jesus.
It is easier to look at life in stages, and commit to things when we can opt out when things become difficult. Just as I looked at medical school as this huge commitment I was not inclined to make, some of the disciples in Jesus day turned back once they realized what it was they were committing themselves to.
What about us? Some of the things Jesus asks us to do are difficult. Sometimes it seems easier to turn back because discipleship is hard work — it’s a lifetime commitment to be transformed in Christ. But on our spiritual journey in discipleship, we can soak up the rays of God’s grace and glory, and know that through Christ, we can go the distance.
Thought for the day: Am I committed to following Jesus?
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