Day 565 - John 6 & Psalm 6

 Michelle

This chapter seems to repeat some of the same stories we've read in the last 3 books.  It goes through feeding the 5000, walking on water and Jesus being the bread of life.  It also speaks about some of the disciples deserting Jesus at this point.  What stands out to me in this reading  is that, yet again, the people are asking for a sign, even though they have been given many signs already.  It seems that Jesus is trying to explain to them but as usual they keep pushing back.  I am curious why so many disciples left him at this point.  Like they weren't true believers?  As I was reading this, I kept thinking about if this was happening now.  Would we believe?  I would hope so, but honestly, I can understand why people were skeptical.  He didn't speak as they could understand and probably sounded like a crazy person.  But if the people had been following the teachings of Moses and the others, or their ancestors had shared the stories of their lives with God through the generations, then they should have believed a little easier.  

As I read this psalm, I was picturing someone just crying their eyes out in grief over their situation.  Fighting with  your enemies can be exhausting, and based on this reading that is what has happened to David.  He is asking God how long he will feel this way.  I have done the same before.  It almost seems like a call to turn to God instead of wallowing in your sorrows over your situation.  I think it's ok to cry or grieve about something in your life, but that you can't live there for long.  God wants you to turn to him in all things and so cry and then pray, or pray and cry at the same time, but turn to God no matter what.

Julie

The thing I found interesting was at the end where Jesus tells them do you not realize that I chose the twelve of you...even the one of you that is the devil. He is referring to Judas. Saying I chose him knowing that he will betray me. It's interesting to note that he is planning his death and knows that it must happen so he is not giving anyone a chance to change things he is preparing for what must be done.

It does feel like we live in this scenario more often that we want to and we do kind of cry and ask for things in the same way. It might be a good prayer to use in those difficult times.