Devotion - Thursday, February 6

The "Confession of Peter" comes at a different time, but Peter's words in John 6:60-71 speak more directly to my life and to my faith.

Jesus continues to speak of his body and blood as the food and drink of a disciple.  There is the admission that these are difficult words to hear; a difficult concept to grasp.  As a result, some of the disciples begin to fall away. Jesus asks if the few who remain would also leave.

Peter responds, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life."

Tone of voice means so much here.  I do not hear these words spoken as a bold proclamation of faith.  I hear them as an exhausted acknowledgement of having searched and found nothing which can compare.  Peter isn't making the confession which will result in his being named "the Rock," Peter is admitting that his attempts to find another source of meaning and purpose has come up empty.  Jesus is where it is at. 

Being a disciple of Jesus brings many more joys than the effort ought to merit; but it is a demanding path to follow.  Constantly and continually thinking of how to serve and to love and to reflect the instructions to "do unto the least" wears me out.  If there were another source of lasting joy and contentment and peace - it might be worth a look.  But, to whom can I go?  No where else