JOHN 6:26-27:  “Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 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. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

OBSERVATION:  What is my motivation for following Jesus?  This is an important question that I must ask myself.  Am I seeking Jesus’ “hand” or am I seeking Jesus’ “face”.  One is focused on provision – the other is focused on presence.  It is the difference between true and false discipleship.

Jesus gathered thousands of people when He was working miracles.  He had just fed over 5000 men, not even counting women and children, with simply 5 loaves and two fish.  When everyone had eaten their fill they gathered up 12 baskets of food remaining.  This went over so well with the multitude that they were focused on making Jesus King.  Just think of it, if Jesus was their King they would never lack anything again.  Yet, when the food had stopped, when they did not hear or receive what they wanted, the multitudes turned away from Jesus.  The same crowd that wanted to hail Him King, would soon cry out – “Crucify Him!”

This is much the way many view the Gospel today.  Accept Jesus and – “fill in the blank”.  We speak about the benefits of faith more than the essence of faith.  This produces a Christianity that is rooted in the rocks and shallow soil.  It is a faith that rejoices when everything is going well and quickly loses steam when trials or persecution arise on account of the Word.  A consumer oriented Gospel does not produce a deeply rooted faith.

So I come back to the opening question – What is my motivation for following Jesus?  Have I come to Him willing to give up all?  Have I come to Him to receive the food that endures to eternal life?  Is my devotion to Jesus based on who He is rather than what He can supply?  Is my faith rooted and grounded in the Word of God so that it will prevail against the trials and storms of life?  Only a faith focused on Jesus Christ and Him alone will produce the food that endures to eternal life!

Jesus taught us to pray – “Our Father who are in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…”  Seeking the Kingdom, seeking His will, is our primary call.  As we do this He has promised to give us our daily bread, to cleanse our hearts, to guard us from the enemy.  All that we need is freely given to us when we seek Him first.  This is our call and this is our confidence!  When we seek “first” the King and the Kingdom we enter into His presence, His power, and His glory!

“…For Your’s is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen!”

Lord, help me to seek You and Your Kingdom above all else!  Give me a heart that seeks You simply for who You are, not for what You can provide.  May Your will be my ultimate desire.  Thank You for providing all of my needs as I direct my heart toward You.  Keep my motivation pure in Your eyes.  In Jesus Name!