For Reading: John 6:25-33
"Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'" (6:29)
In the passage before us today, our Lord is asked: "What must we do to do the works God requires?" (v.28). His answer was entirely different from that which you would receive if you posed the question to adherents of different religious systems today. A Buddhist would answer: "We must follow the eight-fold path of Buddhism." A Muslim would answer: "We must fast and pray and make a trip to Mecca." Some followers of the Christian way might answer, "We must engage in regular Bible study, prayer, tithing, and Christian fellowship." But the answer Jesus gave was this: "The work of God is this: to believe..."
George Watson, a devotional writer, said: "To trust the Origin of our existence is the fundamental grace of life. There is one virtue [in God] that stands out forever more conspicuously than friendship, or love, or knowledge, or wisdom. It is fidelity. God's fidelity is in Him what trust is in us." Understanding that God is utterly trustworthy will deliver us from such incapacitating emotions as worry, anxiety, and fear. To be overwhelmed by the concerns of this life reflects poorly upon the faithfulness of God.
An old saint who was dying became concerned that he couldn't remember any of God's promises. His pastor said: "Do you think God will forget any of them?" A smile came over the face of the dying Christian as he exclaimed joyfully: "No, no, He won't." This, too, is our confidence. He won't forget, because being God, He can't forget.
Prayer:
O God my Father, if fidelity in You is what trust is in us, then help us come to a place where our trust matches Your fidelity. We confess we are not there yet, but we long to arrive. Help us, dear Father. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Further Study:
What did Paul assure Timothy?
Why was Jesus made like His brothers?
Today's reading really hit home for me! I am such a big worrier, and if I would just learn to trust in the fact that God is faithful, I would save myself a lot of worrying!
ReplyDeleteI think what I loved about today's reading was the requirement for being a believer - to believe in the one who sent Jesus. Of course, good works and obedience will follow out of our love for the Father. By to have a faith not based on works is pretty incredible, don't you think?
ReplyDeleteAnd Ann, a good way to combat worry is to take your thoughts captive in the name of Jesus. Literally say that out loud, and refuse to dwell on thoseworrisome thoughts. Maybe memorize Philippians 4:7-8 to help you. It really worked for me!
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ReplyDeleteThe question then becomes "What is God faithful to?" If you know that then you know what it is you are supposed to believe.
ReplyDeleteYou cannot separate what you do from what you believe. They have to be the same. That is why faith, that is belief, without works is dead.