Daily Devotional – Thursday, August 18, 2023
Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
John 6:26 (NKJV)
Why do you follow Christ? When Jesus started preaching and healing, he drew large crowds. Apart from His disciples, multitudes followed Him wherever He went. If Jesus were a politician, the crowds would overly excite him, ostensibly because they were pursuing eternal life.
You Seek Me Because of Bread
Because He could read the motives of human beings, though, Christ posed this intrusive question: “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” (John 6:26). Among the many followers were those whose interests were ephemeral. All they wanted was to fill their stomachs.
It is possible that some individuals had stopped working for their daily bread and were attending the Lord’s meeting knowing they would eat free food. Indeed, the people Jesus was addressing here had gotten into boats to follow Jesus across the sea to Capernaum, not to learn divine lessons, but to fill their tummies.
The Risks of Prosperity Gospel
This powerful indictment of the masses that followed Jesus may sound harsh, but modern Christians are not that different. The prosperity gospel has birthed a clique of Christians that follow Jesus only because He meets their daily needs. The number of Christians who believe material success proves God is pleased with them is increasing.
Similarly, some Christians experience spiritual decline when they become ill, lack money, or encounter other challenges. They regard suffering as a sign that God no longer loves them or has abandoned them. As long as He does not give them ‘bread’, He is not worth following.
Why Do You Follow Christ?
Why do you follow Christ? Is it because He supplies your daily needs or because of Who He is and the eternal life He offers freely? If you underwent biblical Job’s experience, would you still seek Jesus? Take this opportunity to critique your motives and make the necessary amends.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help me align my motives with Your will, that I may follow You because of Who You are and not just for my temporal concerns.
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I love this
Thank you, Pastor. God bless you.