Matt Richards
John 6:64 But [still] some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him. And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father. After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him. Jesus said to the Twelve, Will you also go away? [And do you too desire to leave Me?] Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life.
Jesus had just done a miracle feeding five thousand people. He then goes onto tell the people that He is in essence the Bread of Life; that He is the real miracle. He also told them that it would be tough and many would fail and some would be fakers and others would even betray Him. Jesus was really asking people "do you get, it really?" Many of His disciples, at these words then left, drew back and went back to old associations. Everybody wants free food, everybody wants to be part of something miraculous, but not many are comitted. They just don't get it. Everybody wants something free but not many workers,not many tithers, not many givers. [If you can't say amen say "ouch"] but it's truth not the same. The true test of a disciple, a follower of Jesus is not that they are present at the miraculous, but are they present to follow in persecution. Are they givers and tithers or just spectators and takers? Why do I say this? It is because I just see a superficiality in the church that needs to be dismantled. People need to be committed in person and also in their money. People need to know it's about Jesus and His kingdom. Because when all the persecution comes; and it will, if you are not grounded, you too when the going gets tough will return to your old associations and leave. A pastor from America yesterday on a zoom call said that if you have 500 in your church but only 50 people have really got it: the truth is you only really have 50 people. I don't want hundreds or thousands unless they truly get it. Oh for authentic followers of Jesus. I am so so grateful to all those who tithe and give and have relentlessly worked to lift up Jesus in all we try to do in Radical. You get it. You are such a blessing. We have so many generous and committed folk that truly make an amazing difference. Without you we couldn't run a Hope Bus, fund an orphanage, get people off the streets into discipleship etc. etc. Thank l you. So how about you? Do you get it, really? I so want people to truly get it, get it real and follow Jesus know matter what is coming, no matter the cost. Prayer:
Father help me to raise up an authentic people that focus on Jesus. Help us raise up workers n givers that when persecution comes we thrive. And Lord start the work in me today in Jesus' name Amen.
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