(When) Leaving Is Not An Option

Memory Verse: "Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, "Are you also going to leave?"" (Jn.6:67, NLT)

Scripture Reading: Rm.8:25-39.

The above question was directed to Jesus' disciples, not outsiders (unbelievers). It was a family question. 

Therefore, the message of this morning is for the family of believers who are at the edge of walking away from the faith and are about to settle with someone or something less than the best- Christ.

Many have forsaken Christ, and have walked no more with him. But what reason have you to make a change? Has there been any reason for it in the past? Has Jesus not proved himself all-sufficient? He appeals to us this morning-- "Have I been a wilderness unto you?" When your soul has simply trusted Jesus, have you ever been confounded? Have you not up till now found your Lord to be a compassionate and generous Friend to you, and has not simple faith in Him given you all the peace your spirit could desire? Can you so much as dream of a better friend than He has been to you? Then change not the old and tried for new and false.

As for you, can that contrary-to-redemption challenge compel you to leave Christ? When we are hard beset with this world, or with the severer trials within the Church, we find it a most blessed thing to pillow our head upon the bosom of our Saviour. This is the joy we have today that we are saved in Him; and if this joy be satisfying, wherefore should we think of changing? Who barters gold for dross? We will not forswear the sun till we find a better light, nor leave the Lord until a brighter Lover shall appear; and, since this can never be, we will hold Him with a grasp of immortal, and bind His name as a seal upon our arm.

As for the future, can you suggest anything which can arise that shall render it necessary for you to mutiny, or desert the old flag to serve under another captain? We think not. If life be long-- He changes not. If we are poor, what better than to have Christ who can make us rich? When we are sick, what more do we want than Jesus to make our bed in our sickness? When we die, is it not written: "...neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come...shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord!" (See Rm.8:37-39).

We say with Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go?"

Ponder Point: So many roads. So many detours. So many choices. But only one way: Jesus.

Action Point: Stick with Jesus.

Prayer Point: Father, for ever thinking of leaving or settling, have mercy on me. Help me by this word to stick with Jesus thereby empowering me to stand strong by the word at all times in Jesus name, Amen.