” Do not labor for food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:27-29
Jesus response here is to a people who were earlier fed by the miracle of God when Jesus fed the 5 thousand with a little boy’s lunch of 5 barley loaves and two small fish (John 6:8-13). Jesus rebuked the crowd for purely materialistic notions of the messianic kingdom, although the Messiah’s kingdom would be literal and physical someday, the people failed to see the overriding spiritual character and blessing of “everlasting life” given immediately to those who believe the witness of God through His Son. For Food everlasting is Jesus Himself. Who was right before them witnessing the glorious kingdom that still awaits those who come into the family of God through faith in His Son. What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?— A good question. The people of that time thought Jesus was saying that God required them to do some works to earn everlasting life, which they thought they would be able to do. The crowd misunderstood Jesus’ stance on work, “Do not labor” which prompted Jesus to remind them that an exclusive focus on material blessings is wrong. The only work God desired was faith and trust in Jesus as the promised Messiah and Son of God. Yes, the work that God required was to believe in His Son.
We need to take extreme caution and use our resources wisely, with the knowledge of biblical wisdom and application, otherwise we can have something in our lives the may edge out our commitment to God. Like money and power, authority, sexual pleasures outside of marriage, or even or own staus and titles in the church. You cannot serve two masters (at the same time). You will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to one and not care about the other. You cannot serve and God and money (at the same time) It amounts to hatred of God, and not caring about His kingdom and righteousness, and living the spiritual life(Matthew 6:24)ERV. We are meant to work, it is biblical and ordained by God that we should labor in this life. But the difference in the Christian’s life, is that we do all of our labor as unto the Lord, and not unto men. We will have spiritual treasure awaiting us when we get to heaven. The Lord’s promise to us is that none should lose their reward. But we must have the right biblical perspective and know that everything belongs to God, no matter who’s name is on the deed, it all belongs to God.
Beloved friend, What are you working for? A paycheck of earthly treasure, or are you adding to your treasures in heaven? The lesson for us all is to keep our love for the Savior, Jesus Christ, as the top priority of our lives.
Lord, thank You for placing us into Your family and giving us the abilities to serve You, the One true God, in all of our work, may it bring glory and honor and praise to You! Amen.
May the Lord bless your walk today!
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