I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” -John 6:48-51
In ancient times Israel sojourned in the wilderness and God provided heavenly manna for them. Each morning the Jews would wake up to a substance that they could pick and bake. It was and is a lasting example to us of the faithfulness of God to his people. It speaks to me of how our relationship with him requires us to seek out spiritual nourishment.
We are not far into the ministry of Christ and he is already teaching us about how he will offer his body "for the life of the world". Notice that he speaks of both those who eat and the world in general. It reminds me that a stomach is not filled by looking at the bread but by eating it. Spiritual hunger is not filled by assenting to God but by engaging with him.
Help us Lord to seek you each day and to find ways to engage with you in our daily living.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
Amen, amen.
ReplyDeleteExcellent Bob. I love your comment that, "a stomach is not filled by looking at the bread but by eating it." I wonder, how many Believers are born of God's Spirit but remain mere babes for their entire lives; i.e. spiritually. This is the failure of the Church to 'make disciples' of them. But, as Jesus said: “IF you abide [continually live] in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
ReplyDeleteBTW, Bob. When Jesus talks about continually living, or abiding, in my word, He is talking, not only about knowing and studying Holy scripture; but abiding in the the Living Word. This is why He said: “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’" This is indicative of an intimate relationship with the Living God.
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