Looking In The Right Direction
Jesus says, “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63
The disciples at one time responded to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. (John 6:69) They were responding to his question, “Do you also wish to go away?” Undoubtedly, as they answered they were reflecting on what Jesus had recently said to them: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” This was a commitment on his part to provide them with all that was needful – both physically and spiritually.
The disciples at one time responded to Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”. (John 6:69) They were responding to his question, “Do you also wish to go away?” Undoubtedly, as they answered they were reflecting on what Jesus had recently said to them: “The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” This was a commitment on his part to provide them with all that was needful – both physically and spiritually.
Like the disciples we need daily to ask the question, “To whom shall we go?” And we need to respond, like the disciples, “You have the words of eternal life”. This recognises, among other things,
1. The frailty of personal ability;
2. The futility of worldly trust;
3. The vivacity of GodÂ’s power.
Firstly, we are weak and our efforts, outside of God, are vain. We therefore cannot rely upon our own strength or power. Whenever we try to chart our own course we come up short. We fail to achieve the very things we strive after because we do not possess the ability to accomplish them. We cannot stand alone and we cannot achieve outside of God, even though we often mistakenly take his support as our own efforts. We would do well to be reminded of what is recorded in Deuteronomy chapter 8: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth’.” (Deut.8:17) Human ability is frail – it will not suffice.
Secondly, many turn to other sources in the world in an effort to attain the success they desire. Large quantities of money are spent on superstition and even larger sums on gambling opportunities. But the result usually is the need for further indebtedness in these areas as the anticipated objective is not achieved. How much time is spent visiting the horoscopes? How much money is spent on Lotto and betting on horse racing? The answers to those questions provide support for this theory. But how many persons win the jackpot; and how many find more than a generalized truth in their horoscope reading? The futility of trusting in the things of the world!
Thirdly, note how powerful God is. Hear the writer to the Ephesians saying to them, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.” (Eph.3:20) Look again at the whole of Deuteronomy chapter 8. Think of the many miracles performed by Jesus during his sojourn on earth. These all demonstrate the vivacity of God’s power.
So, then, where will you turn? To your own strength; or, perhaps, to the horoscope and the Lotto? No! Your determination should be to look to Jesus, who alone has the words of eternal life – whose words are spirit and life. As the Psalmist has declared, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will trust in the Lord our God!” (Ps.20:7)
Prayer: Lord, help me always to admonish myself thus: “To whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life.” And then enable me to trust you completely. Amen.
1. The frailty of personal ability;
2. The futility of worldly trust;
3. The vivacity of GodÂ’s power.
Firstly, we are weak and our efforts, outside of God, are vain. We therefore cannot rely upon our own strength or power. Whenever we try to chart our own course we come up short. We fail to achieve the very things we strive after because we do not possess the ability to accomplish them. We cannot stand alone and we cannot achieve outside of God, even though we often mistakenly take his support as our own efforts. We would do well to be reminded of what is recorded in Deuteronomy chapter 8: “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth’.” (Deut.8:17) Human ability is frail – it will not suffice.
Secondly, many turn to other sources in the world in an effort to attain the success they desire. Large quantities of money are spent on superstition and even larger sums on gambling opportunities. But the result usually is the need for further indebtedness in these areas as the anticipated objective is not achieved. How much time is spent visiting the horoscopes? How much money is spent on Lotto and betting on horse racing? The answers to those questions provide support for this theory. But how many persons win the jackpot; and how many find more than a generalized truth in their horoscope reading? The futility of trusting in the things of the world!
Thirdly, note how powerful God is. Hear the writer to the Ephesians saying to them, “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, for ever and ever.” (Eph.3:20) Look again at the whole of Deuteronomy chapter 8. Think of the many miracles performed by Jesus during his sojourn on earth. These all demonstrate the vivacity of God’s power.
So, then, where will you turn? To your own strength; or, perhaps, to the horoscope and the Lotto? No! Your determination should be to look to Jesus, who alone has the words of eternal life – whose words are spirit and life. As the Psalmist has declared, “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will trust in the Lord our God!” (Ps.20:7)
Prayer: Lord, help me always to admonish myself thus: “To whom shall I go? You have the words of eternal life.” And then enable me to trust you completely. Amen.
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