Tuesday, 19 September 2023
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Your salvation is by faith in Jesus alone, not by anything you can do!
Jesus was asked, “What must we do, to be doing the will of God?” This question came from people who had just experienced Jesus feeding thousands of people with a few loaves of bread. These people saw God provide amazingly through Jesus. They wanted to be able to do likewise. They were seeking the benefits of God. Their desire was for God's ongoing provision of their daily needs.
Yet, in this moment, when Jesus heard their question, he took the opportunity to address their heart condition and their real need for a relationship with God. “Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of man will give you” (v.27). Jesus challenged them that it’s not what they do that pleases God, but who they believe he was.
Are you trying hard to please God, to win his favor? Do you simply want the benefits of God or are you pursuing God himself?
Today, God is reminding you that it is your faith in Jesus alone that has granted you his gift of eternal life. Stop trying to please God and earn his favor through what you are doing. It’s not what you do, but what he has already done for you at the cross that brings you close to God. Rather, give God your best out of a heart of worship and thankfulness for his gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ your Lord.
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