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)
Most of us understand work (labor), we go to work every day and work most of the day; day in and day out. I make it my daily choice to go to work and I stay through sometimes difficult experiences - Why? Personally, I like the paycheck.
Jesus, using the metaphor of work, points out what we should do in our Faith saying, "Don't work for perishable food, but for eternal food".
The Natural question they asked: What is this work? Answer: Belief on Jesus and His word.
Jesus said the results (paycheck?) would be something that endured forever. That end result he is saying to "work" for doesn't start at death it starts now and extends through death and beyond. It is the gift of God, that "living water" Jesus told the woman at the well (John 3), and that "living bread" Jesus tells these.
Could believing be hard work?
Sure it can! When tragedy strikes and the heavens seem like brass, you bet it's work! The Bible tells us all things work together to the good of those who love God and called to His purposes(Romans 8:28). We have to choose to believe that like we have to choose to go to work when we don't feel like it, or like we choose to not quit our jobs when things don't go our way.
When prayers don't see an immediate result, sure it's work! Jesus says that God answers prayer (Mark 11:24) but it is hard "work" to believe that sometimes.
Paul uses the metaphor of sowing and reaping saying we reap if we don't faint ahead of time (Galatians 6:9). As the old song says, Sowing with weeping, reaping with joy.
When events don't go like it seems they should, or the way we just knew was right turns out to be wrong it's work to hold steady and believe God is actively in control, is ultimately bringing this world to a wonderful conclusion, and shall personally guide our steps; ever notice what Jesus said to Pontious Pilot when death was staring him in the face?
Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above... - John 19:11 (KJV)
Yes I know salvation is a gift and not by "works", but Jesus is using the analogy here and so will I - We go to work every day for perishable food, let's go to "work" each day for the imperishable food of wonderful and eternal life in Christ by choosing to believe his word, trust his promises, and lean on His grace. Periodically we get a spiritual paycheck along the way that reminds us it is all worthwhile.
- Fritz.
No comments:
Post a Comment