Craig Clouston

 Going on with Jesus

You do not want to leave too, do you?

John 6:67

It was like watching an old black and white movie, and Kent was playing the role of a superhero, alone and against overwhelming odds. Standing before the crowd, he asked, “Will you stand against this evil that devours our children?” They shrunk from answering such a direct question. They wanted to save their children, but didn’t want to be singled out by the conglomerate that wielded a form of power that seemed so unopposable. They wanted plausible deniability.

“Listen,” Kent urged. “Our children hang in the balance! If we refuse to take action, they will pay the price. We cannot stand on the sidelines and expect nothing to happen!” He pleaded. But they would not be moved. They had suffered embarrassment and ridicule the last time they had stood against this foe. They would not do it again, regardless of the cost. Besides, they really didn’t believe in an enemy so evil that it would sacrifice children for profit. Things would be okay as long as they didn’t rock the boat.

“Friends,” Kent appealed, “I know you’re scared. But we must fight this battle!” Getting no response, he asked, “Are you really willing to sacrifice your children because of your fear?” The crowd dispersed as people turned and walked away.

†

What a hard question! But necessary! Are we really willing to allow someone else to battle for our children’s lives, their very souls, and not become personally involved because of fear?

We were born into a world at war. Satan is actively seeking recruits. Choosing not to fight doesn’t stop his activities. And he won’t stop recruiting our children just because we don’t believe in inherent evil.

Listen as Jesus addresses the twelve. “You don’t want to leave too, do you?” he asks. And Peter answers for them all. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Our only chance is to not turn back. We must settle this matter in our hearts and go on with Jesus.

Prayer

“Lord, I confess there is fear in my heart. I hate humiliation and pain, yet to not fight would be cowardly. Show me how to follow You in confidence and walk in Your strength each day. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”