Scripture
Our verse for today comes from John 6:67, ” Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’ “
Background
Aretha Franklin was the premier female Rhythm & Blues singer of her generation. She had 20 number-one R & B singles, and eventually earned the nickname The Queen of Soul. In 1980, she had a bit role in the movie The Blues Brothers, starring Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as the brothers. In it, Franklin is the wife of a former band member of the Blues Brothers when they come calling for her man, Matt ” Guitar ” Murphy, to rejoin the band. Being that the brothers are generally irresponsible misfits who have routine run-ins with the law and still owe her husband money, Franklin vehemently opposes him running off with them. And in the classic scene, she busts out into one of her best songs, Think, wherein she tries to warn him to consider what he is about to do. She tells him he better think about what he’s saying, he better think about the consequences of his actions. And then she wails on him with her song. But as expected, when the music ends, Murphy picks up his guitar case and walks out with the boys.
Application
I wonder what expression Jesus had on His face when He asked the disciples of their plans. Where within His question did He pause long enough to let His words and their impact resonate in their hearts and minds? In what way did He point back to those who had just packed up and walked away from His unconventional offer of the bread of life? Whatever He did, in whatever manner He expressed it, it was plainly evident that Jesus’ question carried with it an eternity of weight. Nothing short of full clarity and a complete understanding of what they would be walking away from, and what they would be walking back to, was required at that point. Nothing short of the work and power of God in their hearts. Our heads can get a little fuzzy at times. But just as Jesus asked the disciples, the Holy Spirit asks us amidst our every temptation if we really want to go the other way that beckons us. At that moment, think about the consequences of your actions, and make the right choice.
Charge
As we seek Him today, ask God for deliverance from the evil one, and pray for His strength to carry you.
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Author – Rich Holt | BCWorldview.org
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