Living in the Spirit
August 4, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 6:24-35

When they found him on the other side of the lake, they said to him, ‘Rabbi, when did you come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For it is on him that God the Father has set his seal.’ Then they said to him, ‘What must we do to perform the works of God?’ –John 6:25-28

What are our priorities? Going through the motions of life is not necessarily living life, certainly not the abundant life* Jesus references. What is our vision of an abundant life? Do we seek a bigger better car or house or income or winning a lottery? Is abundance being loved by God and by others; living in peace, safety, and security; being healthy with adequate food, clothing, shelter? Am I responsible for helping to assure that all God’s children can live an abundant life? What are my priorities?

The Jewish tradition looks for signs of the chosen one, the Messiah, the one who will set all things right. Jesus had performed signs in healing the sick and multiplying food. In the scripture above Jesus challenges the people who are following him to recognize that their interest is more in their signs of comfort food than in the ways of living love that Jesus primarily taught. It is like going to church only for the donuts and coffee and not the worship or the hard work of building a world ruled by love. Hospitality is a part of such a world and is not to be overlooked but there is so much more to God’s abundant life.

Prayer: Loving Creator, as we seek your abundant life for ourselves use us to assure all your children live in your abundance. Amen.

*John 10:10b,

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.