SOUL MUTINY

A great heartbreak as a pastor is to witness mutiny. It’s not when folks leave the church. I’m addressing a more ominous desertion—the forsaking of Christ. Mutiny of the soul is when a person walks no more with the Lord.

I’m forced to ask myself probing questions concerning such actions of those I’ve witnessed making such exits. Was there ever a walk to begin with? (Even Peter didn’t know Judas was a betrayer). What was the reason to make such a change? What has happened in the past that caused you to believe Jesus was not all-sufficient for your life? If Christ was kindhearted and gracious to you, giving you all the peace your heart could hold what did He do to change your desire? What made you exchange your gold for slag? What wilderness has He ever left you alone in? What is so new an attractive that it trumps the Eternal? Pondering such things leaves me a bit confounded as to why simple faith doesn’t find a resting place in the arms of our Savior.

But alas, when Jesus experienced many disciples deserting him after teaching them “anyone who believes has eternal life. Yes, I am the bread of life! …Anyone who eats the bread from heaven…will never die.” He turned to the first twelve he handpicked and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” (John 6:67)

I’m encouraging you to live today in the joy of the Savior. I understand how hard the world can hit you with its finite charms, but they will not outlast the Savior. I understand that within the Church you can experience disappointment, but if the joy of the Lord is your strength it should satisfy your frustration. This is when you will find how blessed you really are and discover His name is the eternal seal upon your heart. He doesn’t change that seal! The Word of God testifies to this. It matters not how long life will be, how poor or rich you become even if you become sick and even die, it is written “that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38)
 
Stop for a moment and think about the direction you’re taking yourself. Stay on board! Don’t jump ship! Find yourself making the determination that the apostle Peter made, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”  Let the Word of the Spirit put the wind in your sails.

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