Feb 10

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 has sent.” John 6: 28-29.

The disciples had witnessed the feeding of the 5000. They had watched Jesus walk on the water. Yet, along with the multitudes that followed, their mindset was on how they could perform the works of God. It was a selfish motivation, as Jesus quickly discerned. He said in John 6:26 “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.” Is it not that way with us as well? We see power in the things of God. We want to be more spiritual. We love the power and attention that might be available to us. We think we can arrange the affairs of the church to fulfill God’s ends. But all along, deep down, we just want to be recognized for our works. We long for approval for our insights into God—for our analysis of situations, for our spiritual counseling of others. We are works oriented when we should first be a believing follower who is seeking Jesus. All things will properly follow from this faith placed in Jesus.

All the work (singular) of God flows to a believing heart. The disciples were thinking of works (plural), which led them to miss the most important aspect of God-- His work is fulfilled in Christ.

Today, Lord, let me start and finish each moment with the knowledge that it is only You and Your will that I seek. Strip away any desire for fleshly works. I do not have to find everything reasonable or even possible by my standards. With You all things are possible. Thank You for allowing Your life to be expressed in me. Amen.
 

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