Personal Faith, God's Requirement
Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 10, 2024 | John 6:25-29
KEY VERSE:
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:29 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Our reflection today brings a call to intentional personal faith in Jesus Christ as a requirement by God from those who have the Gospel presented to them. The purpose of the miracles performed by the Lord Jesus was to inspire faith in Him as God in human form who had come to redeem humanity from the power and control of Satan and sin and to restore us to Himself.
In John 6:26 the Lord pointed out to the Jewish people who were looking for Him, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (NIV). By this, He was calling their attention to the fact that they had missed out on the essence of the miracle. To have seen the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish should have taken their minds to the Old Testament prophecies of the Kingdom of the Messiah where food and wine shall flow in abundance. His healing of the sick should have drawn their minds to the foretold healing and wholeness that Messiah was supposed to bring and to help them see Him as the God-man in the midst of His people.
However, they only saw the immediate pleasure and benefit of the miracles and failed to see the message of the miracles. To stress His point to them in John 6:29 ‘Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."’ (NIV)
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Do you see the significance of the acts of God in your life, even that you are alive today, as pointers to the reality, being, power and invitation of God for a relationship with you, or do you only enjoy the moment and miss the message? See God at work in the blessings of daily life.
PRAYER:
Dear God, please open my eyes that I may see you, hear you, and embrace you as you reveal yourself to me in your daily kindness. For Christ’s dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: WORK OF GOD
In John 6:29, Jesus speaks about the "work of God," emphasizing the central action required for salvation and spiritual fulfilment. This phrase translates the Greek words "ἔργον τοῦ Θεοῦ" (ergon tou Theou).
Here, Jesus tells the crowd that the "work of God" is to believe in Him whom God has sent, referring to Himself. This statement underscores the foundational importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. It highlights that the primary task God requires of humanity is to trust in His Son as the Savior and Redeemer.
The phrase "work of God" suggests faith is not merely a passive acceptance but an active response to God's invitation and revelation. It involves a commitment of the heart and mind, a surrender to God's will, and a willingness to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Reflections:
How do you understand and engage with the "work of God" in your life? Are you actively trusting Jesus Christ and living out your faith in obedience to His teachings? How can you deepen your relationship with God by responding to His call?
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