Total Commitment
by Inspiration Ministries
"'This statement is very unpleasant' […] Many of His disciples left, and would no longer walk with Him anymore. So Jesus said to the twelve, 'You do not want to go away also, do you?' Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life.'" – John 6:60, 66-67 NASB Hernán Cortés arrived in Mexico from Spain when he was only 19, soon gaining a prominent position in the Cuban government. When it became necessary to send Spanish forces to the mainland, the governor directed Cortés to form an expedition. In 1519, Cortés set sail with a fleet of eleven ships and several hundred soldiers and sailors. Cortés proved to be a tough disciplinarian, and many men threatened mutiny. Cortés decided to do something unprecedented: He burned his ships. In his biography about Cortés, Buddy Levy describes how he wanted to eliminate all options. He wanted them to stake everything on their mission. He later reflected that they now had “nothing to rely on save their own hands – and the certainty that they must either win the land or die in the attempt.” All of us face decisions about our careers or families, finances, or relationships. These crossroads present times to decide our direction. Jesus’ followers reached a point of decision when His words became “difficult.” At that moment, many decided not to follow Him any longer. But Peter, answering for the twelve, reaffirmed their commitment. Like the other disciples, he had responded to Jesus’ call, to “follow Me” (Mark 1:17). Giving up everything to be His disciples. They would not turn back. Don’t be like those who walked away. Make a total commitment to follow Jesus wherever He leads. Make Him Lord of every area of your life. Prayer Dear Lord Jesus, I will follow You wherever You lead. You are my Lord. I surrender every area of my life to You. In Your name, amen. Extended Reading John 6
