Where Should We Go? Need Answers?

How often do you verbalize an intense need to find the answers when something goes wrong in your relationships?  Is anyone listening?  Do you cry out in frustration – looking at the ceiling – hoping you will be heard?  Why do we do that?

In the New Testament, the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John all have their own rendition of Jesus preaching to the multitudes and feeding thousands.  Matthew, Mark and John record Christ walking on the water and stilling the storm. While those two events are miraculous and nature defying, I find the passage regarding Peter’s confession to be especially riveting.  In Matthew 16:15-17 Jesus asks His disciples, “But who do you say that I am?”  Peter then answers, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”  To which Jesus replies, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”

In chapter 6 of John’s gospel we read that in the days following the feeding of the masses on the hills of Judea, many of them sought out Jesus and found Him on the other side of the sea.  They remembered seeing the disciples boarding a boat and sailing across the sea – but they never saw Jesus with them.  When they found Him they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?”

There were still many people who wanted to see Jesus rule as their King. They were desperate for change and longed for the day when Israel was no longer under Roman rule.  But Jesus knew they followed Him because they ate of the loaves and were filled, not because they saw the miracles.  They even discussed with Him the fact that their forefathers ate manna in the desert. Jesus then said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Jesus told them, “I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”  Jesus most likely had hundreds of followers, many of whom left John the Baptist and followed after Him. However, scores of His disciples took offense with His words and John 6:66 tells us, “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”

The next passage in verses 67-69 is perhaps one of my all-time favorites.  Jesus asks the twelve disciples, “Do you also want to go away?”  Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  He then stated that they had come to believe that He was indeed the Christ, the Son of the living God. 

Every time I read that passage I feel the same way…  To Whom shall we go?  You alone – JESUS – have the words of eternal life.  Psalm 73:25-26 says this: “Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon the earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Now back to the initial question:  Why do we look somewhere else other than Jesus when we have a crisis or a specific need or a secret longing?   Our culture would tell us to go see a “chick flick” and feel better about our circumstances.   It might beckon us to watch Dr. Phil or a self-help show to ease our pain.  We can always pick up the latest copy of People or another gossip magazine to feel better about our broken friendships or failing marriage.  Just turn up that radio, iPod, or home theater to drown out our anxiety and depression. 

But what should we really do when we come to the end of ourselves and our own resources?  Popular Christian author and speaker Joyce Meyer says, “Go to the Throne instead of the phone!”  Seek the One who has the answers for life’s turmoil and quandaries. Jesus Himself said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

We should go to Him Who satisfies the hunger that no earthly sustenance can fill.  He is the Word made flesh. He will fill you with His love and preserve you with His Spirit.  He is your perfect serving and portion.

Jesus is your daily bread.  He is the Manna come down from heaven. Feast on His goodness and mercy.  Devour His Word and hide it in your heart. Consume His wisdom and understanding. Partake of His knowledge and apply it to your life.  Drink in His love and quench your parched soul with His grace.  What else would you need to survive besides bread and water?

Where should we go?  Straight to Jesus – He is all you need…

 photos courtesy of The Gospel According to Matthew (1994)

 Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com

Where Should We Go? Need Answers?