John 6:16-29
That evening, Jesus' disciples went down to the lake. They got into a boat and started across for Capernaum. Later that evening Jesus had still not come to them, and a strong wind was making the water rough.
When the disciples had rowed for three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He kept coming closer to the boat, and they were terrified. But he said, "I am Jesus! Don't be afraid!" The disciples wanted to take him into the boat, but suddenly the boat reached the shore where they were headed.
The people who had stayed on the east side of the lake knew that only one boat had been there. They also knew that Jesus had not left in it with his disciples. But the next day some boats from Tiberias sailed near the place where the crowd had eaten the bread for which the Lord had given thanks. They saw that Jesus and his disciples had left. Then they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Jesus. They found him on the west side of the lake and asked, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"
Jesus answered, "I tell you for certain that you are not looking for me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate all the food you wanted. Don't work for food that spoils. Work for food that gives eternal life. The Son of Man will give you this food, because God the Father has given him the right to do so." "What exactly does God want us to do?" the people asked.
Jesus answered, "God wants you to have faith in the one he sent."
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
We’ve all had someone be nice to us when they wanted something. There are some people who only come around or act interested in others when they are hoping to gain something from the interaction or relationship. I don’t mean to be cynical or skeptical, but often you can spot these people coming a mile away. And even if there is no ulterior motive, the history with this person makes it hard to believe that he/she is genuine.
It’s somewhat like when a teenager’s mom cooks his/her favorite dish, and the teen would do just about anything to get Mom to cook it again. The teenager really doesn’t notice all the wonderful, important things a mom does every day for him/her and the rest of the family (extended family, friends, community and more). It’s all about that favorite meal… personal gratification… and the teen will go to great lengths to schmooze Mom so that she will cook it again.
If we honestly look at our relationship to God, we are much the same. We pretty well always have our hand out in some manner. “LORD, please do this for me… Father, I need a miracle… God, heal me, my relationship, my family, my friends.” We’re not interested in God’s miracles and healing in the context of the world at large – much less giving back in service and dedication. We want God to feed us… to meet our needs at that very moment.
Let’s be clear… there is nothing wrong with asking God to meet our needs. He can… He will… He wants to do this for us. He wants to heal our bodies, minds, and relationships… and to do the same for those in our circle of family and friends. He wants to give us answers to our troubles and bless us each and every day. But He wants us to love and follow Him because of the Bread of Life… the gift of eternal salvation He provides to us through the blood of Jesus Christ.
God doesn’t want us to believe in Him and serve Him because He cured our cancer, helped us pass a biology test, or we ran extra fast in the 5k or cross-country event. He doesn’t want us to follow Him because He gives us a roof over our head and a good job to pay the bills. He wants us to look beyond these material, “now” things and say, “I will follow you all the days of my life because you gave me Jesus.”
For me, this was a simple – but highly powerful – illustration. Some people are following Jesus for the “fish dinner” that He provides – that “favorite meal”. They are willing to love Jesus and serve Him – and basically butter Him up – for whatever is in it for them at the moment… the “quick fix.” But God wants us to be in it for the “Daily Bread” – the meal that satisfies our soul more than our bellies... and lasts! God wants us to follow Him and serve because we love Him and desire to be a part of His Kingdom forever.
What are your motives? Do you serve Jesus for the instant miracle… the “quick fix” to your present problem? Or do you see the bigger picture? Is your faith in God based on His tremendous love and sacrifice for us… His promise to meet our needs and bless us with the Bread of Life - now and forever? Or are you only looking to your next meal or miracle? There is a difference… can you see it?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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