 When the going gets tough, those with not enough faith get going. In our gospel this week we see that, for at least some of the crowd who were following Jesus, things are starting to get a little too serious. The excitement and adventure of journeying with Jesus are one thing. But all this talk about dying and eating flesh and drinking blood are a completely different story. The excitement of all those miracles of healing and free bread are fantastic but all the talk of living lives of sacrifice is not so palatable. The truth is always the same for those who will be Christ’s followers. This is no easy ride. To take up one’s cross and follow Jesus requires perseverance, stamina and an almighty amount of faith and prayer. The good news is that in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus gives us all we need to be up for the task. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul encourages us to “pray in the Spirit at all times” and he reminds us of the great armory that God has given us with to help us live our Christian life. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, are all God’s gift to help us stand firm. When was the last time you dusted yours off? Till next time, Andrew ReadingsComments are closed.
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Rev. Andrew SmithVicar of Light in the Hills |