Following Jesus From the Edges – Seeking a Desired Delivery –

Following Jesus From the Edges – A Desired Delivery
Pastor Calvin Cook – July 6, 2024
For the last couple of days Gail and I have spent time at our home in Hyndman PA. Having two homes is sometimes difficult. The allegiance to both is equal. We love both our homes in Kane PA and Hyndman PA. These past couple of days have been different, we had no agenda. We drove down on Wednesday afternoon had a favorite dinner of Kentucky Fried Chicken. On Thursday, I never got in the car, didn’t leave the property, just read, napped, prayed, listened and actually took a day off. Rare in my world! Friday we just meandered home, stopping at one of my favorite places the Pack Saddle Covered Bridge. Didn’t just do a drive by, but actually walked through the bridge, by the creek, listened to water, and just escaped. Visited my ancestral home that has mostly remained untouched by the confusion and progress of the world. Visited with an old friend I hadn’t seen in many years. Visited with my sister. It was good time of retrospect.

This morning I find myself thinking of my own life and what has got us to the point as a people, as families, as a nation that we can’t appreciate the simple quiet things of life, the things we want back but also unfortunately the things some have never experienced.

In John 6:63-69, Jesus delivers a powerful message about the importance of spiritual sustenance over physical satisfaction. He declares, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life” (John 6:63). Jesus emphasizes that true life comes from the Spirit, and His words carry the power to transform and sustain us in ways that the things of this world cannot.

In today’s fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that our value and happiness depend on our success and standing in community, achievements, possessions, and social status. These worldly pursuits can easily distract us from what truly matters. Yet, Jesus calls us to recognize Him above all else. He invites us to find our identity and completeness in Him, rather than in the fleeting pleasures and things of this world.

The passage continues with many of Jesus’ followers finding His teachings difficult and choosing to turn away. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they will leave too, Peter responds, “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 6:68-69). Peter’s response emphasizes that there is no one and nothing else that can offer what Jesus does—eternal life and truth.

In our daily lives, we face choices that reflect what we prioritize. Do we spend time in prayer and scripture, seeking to know Jesus more deeply? Do we allow His teachings to shape our actions and decisions? Or do we chase after the temporary and ultimately unsatisfying rewards of this world?

By placing Jesus at the center of our lives, we experience the fullness of His life-giving Spirit. As we navigate the challenges and distractions of life, let us remember Peter’s words and reaffirm our commitment to Jesus, the Holy One of God. Only in Him do we find the true and lasting life that our souls crave.

I am craving more of Jesus and only we can choose what will satisfy our heart and soul.