Friday, August 15, 2003
Friday, August 15, 2003
Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of
eternal life."
Something like that was beginning to happen among those who followed Jesus. As he began
to fill in the details of the kingdom life, fewer were willing to follow him. One by one they drifted
away.
It reminds me of the reaction of a late night television personality several years ago when the
great missionary Albert Schweitzer was receiving international attention. He told his television
audience, "I'd like to be an Albert Schweitzer, if I could commute!"
There were some who were following Jesus who discovered to their amazement they could not
commute! The number of followers was dwindling rather dramatically. Finally, Jesus turned to
the twelve and asked, "Do you also wish to go away?"
Who could have answered except Simon Peter? "Lord, to whom shall we go?" he asked. "You
have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the
Holy One of God."
Good old Simon Peter. Impetuous. Excitable. Sometimes speaking before his mind was fully in
gear. But Simon Peter was in for the long term. His commitment was no momentary, fleeting
experience good only when things were going his way.
How is your faith and commitment doing?
(John 6.68
NRSV)
Hector Berlioz was conducting a concert at the Theatre Italien. The rules of the music hall
permitted musicians to stop work at midnight. As the magic hour approached, a considerable
part of the program remained to be performed. Berlioz turned to the orchestra just after
midnight. He was prepared to conduct his own Symphonie Fantastique. Unfortunately, he
found his orchestra was down to twelve musicians. Explaining to the audience that his work
couldn't be performed by so small a group, the embarrassed composer had to stop the
concert.
Lord Jesus, renew me today in my relationship with God as I faithfully follow you. Amen.
