To Whom Shall We Go?
Inspired by Ray Stedman's devotional for January 19th
"You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."
—John 6:67-69
The words of Simon Peter strike a chord deep within the heart of every believer: Lord, to whom shall we go? This question, born out of reflection and conviction, is not just a declaration of loyalty but a testimony to the incomparable nature of Christ.
Peter’s response captures the essence of following Jesus: there is no viable alternative. Jesus alone speaks the words that pierce through the fog of life, revealing truth, hope, and eternal purpose. His life demonstrates a holiness and love that cannot be matched.
Imagine a sailor in the open sea, far from any visible land. The ship he’s on may be battered by the storm, and the journey may be filled with uncertainty, but abandoning ship isn’t an option. Why? Because there is no other vessel capable of bringing him to safety. Christ is that ship—strong, steady, and sufficient to carry us through every storm.
The Words of Life
Peter’s acknowledgment highlights two key reasons why we remain with Jesus: His words and His character.
First, Jesus’ words bring life. They address the deepest human needs—our longing for meaning, forgiveness, and peace. His words are unlike any others, for they cut through the noise of the world and bring clarity to the human condition. They convict, comfort, and restore.
The Holy One of God
Second, Peter recognizes the sinless character of Christ: We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God. Over time, the disciples had watched Jesus, listened to Him, and experienced His unwavering integrity, compassion, and power. They saw that He wasn’t just a teacher or a prophet but the fulfillment of every promise God had made.
No Turning Back
Following Jesus isn’t always easy. Like Peter, we may face moments of doubt, confusion, or frustration. Yet, those who truly belong to Christ find that leaving Him is not an option. The world offers many alternatives, but none compare to the life and truth found in Him.
A Prayer of Confidence
Lord,
Thank You for being the One who speaks words of life to our weary souls. Your words bring clarity in confusion, peace in the storm, and hope in the darkest hours. Thank You for being faithful and holy, the One who never fails. We rejoice in knowing that You are enough, now and forever. May we rest in the assurance that there is nowhere else we need to go, for You alone hold the words of eternal life. Amen.
Final Thought
Christ is the only One who can truly sustain us. When the storms of life batter our ship, and doubts creep in, we return to this truth: there is nowhere else to go, for Jesus alone is the source of life, love, and truth. Hold fast to Him. He will carry you safely to the shore.