Monday, October 6, 2014

The Provisions or the Provider


I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” John 6:26.

A group of 5,000 people had been miraculously fed the day before.  They had been listening to Jesus all day and the large group had become very hungry.  Jesus multiplies a sparse basket of food among the throngs and they were all satisfied.  They were fed without lifting a finger…they were fed without having to figure it out…they were fed not because of anything they had done but because Who they were with…they were fed because of Jesus.  They awoke the following morning to find Jesus and the boat gone, so they went in search of Him.  Upon finding Him, Jesus told them that their search for Him was because they wanted more food, not because they wanted more of Him.  The crowd, being satisfied once by what Jesus had done for them, wanted to see what else Jesus could do for them (maybe he’d provide more free meals?).  But they did not realize what the miracle actually revealed to them.  Jesus refused to encourage them in their desire for the material satisfaction he could provide.  His beginning response in effect was, ‘You were so intent on being fed that you haven’t seen who provided the food’” Life Application New Testament Commentary, p.399.

How unfortunate that the multitudes had just witnessed a glimpse of Christ's majesty and their minds could not comprehend his powers beyond what he could do to provide for their earthly needs.  We can sometimes be just like those people…looking for Jesus only when we need something.  We should note that they let Him out of their sight and had to go on search for Him.  When we are feeding on the Provider instead of the provisions we will know our Savior.  When we are walking daily with Christ by our side, we will not miss where He is leading us.  I’ve read several times that the best diet is one where little portions are digested throughout the day instead of gorging on one or two large meals.  The same is with our Jesus portions.  When we sample Him throughout the day we will feed on Him instead of our earthly appetites.  He will show us what to eat, where to eat and when to eat when we are following Him for the right reasons.  We must be intent on watching for His breadcrumbs which will lead us into His provisions for our lives. 

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27.

 

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