I’ve been looking at the reactions of the people that encountered Jesus as I read through the book of John.
Some are moved by what Jesus did and others by what Jesus said. I asked myself, which one am I? Do I need to see a miracle to have my faith bolstered or am I willing to let my life be changed by the simplicity of His word?
Remember the Samaritan woman? Her life and the life of her town were changed by the words of Jesus.
” Many of the Samaritan people in that town believed in Jesus. They believed because of what the woman had told them about him. She had told them, ‘He told me everything I have ever done.’ 40 The Samaritans went to Jesus. They begged him to stay with them. So he stayed there two days. 41 Many more people became believers because of the things he said.
42 The people said to the woman, ‘First we believed in Jesus because of what you told us. But now we believe because we heard him ourselves. We know now that he really is the one who will save the world.’” John 4:39-42 ERV
And then there was the man at the pool who had been lame – His life was changed by the words “take up your bed and walk”.
Look at this example in John 6. These folks had followed Jesus and He had his disciples feed them with a boy’s lunch.
“So they gathered up the pieces that were left. The people had started eating with only five loaves of barley bread. But the followers filled twelve large baskets with the pieces of food that were left. 14 The people saw this miraculous sign that Jesus did and said, ‘He must be the Prophet who is coming into the world.’ 15 Jesus knew that the people planned to come get him and make him their king. So he left and went into the hills alone.” John 6:13-15 ERV
It wasn’t the words that Jesus spoke that changed the people; they wanted to see more signs. He had filled their bellies but they hadn’t let Him fill their hearts.
As a loving parent or grandparent we like to provide for the needs of our children and grandchildren but we don’t want that to be the motive for the attention they give us.
I will ask you a question that needs to be asked and answered on a continual basis.
Here’s the question.
What is more important to me, seeking the hand of God (his provisions) or seeking His face (relationship)?
The amazing thing is that when we seek His face, we will be blessed by His promises and provision.
In my lifetime I have seen some real miracles. But what has made more of an impact than the miracles is the daily relationship that I have with the Lord.
“O Lord, listen to my cry. Show loving-kindness to me and answer me. 8 You have said, ‘Look for My face.‘ My heart said to You, ‘O Lord, Your face will I look for.‘” Psalm 27:7-8 NLV
Meet with the Father face to face today. It will change your life!