My kids ask me all sorts of questions. For example, "Dad, can I have some money for the movies,' or 'Dad, why don't you just let me do what I want to do,' or 'Dad, do I really have to make my bed? After all, I am only going to mess it up again tonight when I get back in it.' This list of questions could go on and on. Occasionally I get surprised by their questions; pleasantly so. Every now and then they ask a question such as, "Dad, how are you doing today," or "Dad, would you like to shoot some hoops," or "Dad, what can I do to help you today?" These latter questions are the ones I (and probably all parents) love to hear! In fact, I think my children would do well to ask those questions more often.
As I read through the Gospels, I find the people in them often times act like my children. They display moments of incredible selfishness as well as moments of great sacrifice. They ask questions that are penetrating and thoughtful and questions that are incredulous and dumb (yes, there is a such thing as a dumb question). There was one question they asked of Jesus (a 'smart' question) that all of us would do well to ask more often. It's the kind of question we parents long for our children to ask us.
The setting is in which the question is asked is quite stirring. A 'hunt' is on to find Jesus. He had just performed exemplary miracles. The crowds who had thronged to him had nothing to eat. Jesus gathers them together and feeds them, thousands of them, with a meager two loaves and five fishes. The next scene pictures the disciples out at sea fishing. The text informs us that they are 3 - 4 miles off shore (that's quite a swim). The waves are thrashing about the boat when one of them looks out and spots a figure that appeared to be walking on the sea. You know the story; it was Jesus. The frightened disciples were finally calmed only by the sound of His voice which reminded them of His presence with them, miraculously so, even in the midst of the tumult.
The next day Jesus is nowhere to be found. So, as I said earlier, the hunt is on to find him. Once they find him they pepper him with questions. Jesus, in a quasi rebuke (that they miss completely), tells them that they are seeking (literally working to see) him because He as filled their belly. With the metaphor of a hunger that will need to be satiated again, he encourages them to work for the food that will never perish and bring life everlasting. It is at this crucial point when they say, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?" John 6:28 (NAS).
Fantastic. What a question. They get it. They get Jesus. Finally they understand . . . not so fast.
Jesus answers their question by simply calling them to 'believe in Him whom He has sent.' I love it. They ask what they can do and Jesus says 'just be.' No working, no walking on water, no feeding thousands, no doing. They reject his answer and ask for 'bread from heaven.' To which Jesus says, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will never hunger, he who believes in Me will never thirst." You can read it and judge for yourself (John 6), but I don't think they got it. I don't think they understood.
Just as He did when he walked upon this earth and sea, Jesus beckons to you and me today! He simply says, 'Come to me and your desire will be fulfilled.' We, however, mind numbingly respond, 'yes but, what do you want us to do? What work might we accomplish?' His reply is the same. Desire Me. Long for Me. Be with Me. Sit with Me. Commune with Me. Experience Me. Celebrate Me. Thirst for Me.
Yes, I know. There is work to be done. That is, however, not the priority of the day. You and I must first sit at His feet and simply 'be with Him.' When is the last time you experienced His presence and acknowledged His Lordship in your life? Are you running from 'meal to meal' or seeking the next 'sign of the times,' hoping that you will somehow be filled?
Look up. Slow down. Stop. Be with Him . . . Believe in Him!
the shape of desire!
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