Give Me That Food!

Daily Reading: John 6

Scripture Focus: Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. (John 6.26-27)

Devotional Thought: Jesus fed five thousand men – along with women and children – with just a few loaves of bread and some fish. That excited the crowds!  "We can get into that!"  Not the business of the kingdom, but its blessings.

Things haven’t changed much, have they?  I wonder sometimes if Jesus would recognize the message of the American church today. 

Come to my church and you will have a better way of life…

Give to this ministry and you will prosper and grow rich…

Do this and God will be obliged to give you health and success…

Take these twelve steps and you will be set free from your addictions…

“You are seeking me because you ate your fill…”

I do not deny the validity of these blessings.  I recognize the fact that Jesus did feed the five thousand; Jesus did perform miracles on behalf of the crowds.  My concern is with the overwhelming consumerism that is part and parcel of American spiritual life.  We serve God and attend church for what we can get, not for what we can give.  That is a far cry from Jesus’ invitation to leave everything and follow him.

I also do not argue the fact that my life is better for having served Jesus for 48 years.  I rejoice in it!  I marvel at what has been delivered to me and what I have been delivered from.  But, better and richer are two different things.  Better and healthier are two different things.  Better and more successful are two different things.  My life is better, for Jesus has connected me to the Eternal.

Give me that food, Jesus!

Prayer: Lord God, Giver of all good gifts, help me to seek first the Giver and then allow you to give the gifts according to your will and wisdom.  I leave everything to follow you, Lord.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 34.8-14

8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!

9 Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!

10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.

11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.

14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.