Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
September 24, 2023
John 6:25-40
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” 26 Jesus replied, “I assure you that you are looking for me not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate all the food you wanted. 27 Don’t work for the food that doesn’t last but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Human One will give you. God the Father has confirmed him as his agent to give life.” 28 They asked, “What must we do in order to accomplish what God requires?” 29 Jesus replied, “This is what God requires, that you believe in him whom God sent.” 30 They asked, “What miraculous sign will you do, that we can see and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, just as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” 32 Jesus told them, “I assure you, it wasn’t Moses who gave the bread from heaven to you, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 The bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said, “Sir, give us this bread all the time!” 35 Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But I told you that you have seen me and still don’t believe. 37 Everyone whom the Father gives to me will come to me, and I won’t send away anyone who comes to me. 38 I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but the will of him who sent me. 39 This is the will of the one who sent me, that I won’t lose anything he has given me, but I will raise it up on the last day. 40 This is my Father’s will: that all who see the Son and believe in him will have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
Good Morning. Jesus said, “I am the Bread of life!”
This passage follows the feeding of the thousands on the plain. The next day, they discovered that Jesus was gone, and those who had come to hear the message went in search of Jesus. When they found him, Jesus told them they came not because of the miracles they had seen but to receive more of the bread that had filled them.
Why do we come to church? Are we seeking Jesus, or are we seeking earthly blessings? Certainly, when we gather together to worship, we fulfill our physical desire to be together as we see smiles, share words, and hug one another, but we can do that anywhere. We meet that physical need if we gather at school or see neighbors at the grocery store. So, what is different when we gather together to worship God?
When we gather to sing, pray, read Scripture, and worship, we are greeted with the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place. I can feel the mighty power of His grace. I can hear the brush of angels’ wings; I see glory in this place. Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place.
Remember the kid’s song: Here is the church, here is the steeple, open the doors and see all the people. The church is not a specific building or place. Church can be anywhere where two or more have gathered, and we invite God to join us. What do we seek? We are seeking the spiritual nourishment of our souls.
Loving God, We love you! Thank you for filling us with the bread of life and the living water. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: How have I nurtured my soul today?
Fill your soul in worship together! Pastor Liz
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