“Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”
John 6:27-29 KJV
God provides material and sustainable items, but there is so much more to the relationship He is attempting to cultivate with us. Yes, God provides but – we have more to strive for with Him beyond Him providing daily provision.
Scripture in John 6 so eloquently demonstrates how Jesus fed those around Him above and beyond what He had before Him. Yes, the miracle was in the fact He fed thousands with few supplies. There is more…
The people came to hear and they were attracted to Jesus by what they could see and receive. Their physical needs were met by being around Him even though things seemed meager.
In verses 27-29 in the 6th chapter of John, Jesus clarifies that there is more to be gained than provision for the day. He urges them to understand that everlasting life is at stake. He is more than food or nourishment for the day- even though He can furnish that easily.
God is the Provider – Jehovah Jireh! (Genesis 22:14) Our relationship can grow further from providing daily bread to understand He has provided even greater – for our everlasting life.
In this season of needing provision after the flood of my neighborhood and expecting God to provide monies and assistance to recover home and materials- I (we) can’t neglect praising Him for providing His Son as a sacrifice for our eternal life. I’m not in relationship just for immediate provision, but also for the ultimate prize.
Message Bible version of John 6:26-29:
“Jesus answered, “You’ve come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs—and for free. “Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last.” To that they said, “Well, what do we do then to get in on God’s works?” Jesus said, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works.”
John 6:26-29 MSG
Side note- This scripture also speaks to me as a leader too! Yes, we may be able to provide essential necessities for folk, but we must never forget the true focus of why we’re providing. It is to lead people to eventually have their own relationship with God to then replicate and do the same.
lifeandgodliness 