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When they found him back across the sea, they said, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" Jesus answered, "You've come looking for me not because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs - and for free. "Don't waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for the food that sticks with you, food that nourishes your lasting life, food the Son of Man provides. He and what he does are guaranteed by God the Father to last." To that they said, "Well, what do we do then to get in on God's works?" Jesus said, "Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God's works." They waffled: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. Moses fed our ancestors with bread in the desert. It says so in the Scriptures: 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'" Jesus responded, "The real significance of that Scripture is not that Moses gave you bread from heaven but that my Father is right now offering you bread from heaven, the real bread. The Bread of God came down out of heaven and is giving life to the world." They jumped at that: "Master, give us this bread, now and forever!" Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever. (John 6:25-35 The Message)
This is the week! If you're like me, and most other Americans, this is feast week! I'm a sucker for turkey and dressing, and all the trimmings. (I'm gaining weight just by thinking about all the food that will be prepared and served in our house and in the big celebration we are having with family in the Valley. But, it goes way beyond food as this passage explains. Food was not as abundant in Jesus' time as it was now, so Jesus' miracles with bread and fish were awesome and some folks followed Jesus to get more. Jesus was using these miracles to point to God and the feeding of the multitudes was no exception. Those who wanted to see and get more, come to Jesus and ask how long He had been there. Jesus honestly says, "You're not recalling looking for me because you saw God in my actions but because I fed you, filled your stomachs - and for free." And then He proceeds in sharing the truth about God and life. They question Jesus and go back to their Sunday school teachings on Moses and the manna shared with the people of God; but Jesus speaks of the bread from heaven, Who gives life to the world. They get excited about that and ask how they could get in on it. Here's the key: Jesus said, "I am the Bread of Life. The person who aligns with me hungers no more and thirsts no more, ever."
That is the true feast, feasting at God's table with The Bread of Life; Jesus Himself. May that be a part of our prayers, our words, actions, and thoughts this week as we return thanks to God for this past year. May those things reflect that we have faith and trust in God and that God provides. May it also be a time for celebrating the joy of life as found in Jesus Christ. Our tables may be sad because loved ones who were with us last year are not so this year, but our hope is in the Lord who promised life beyond this life. So our hearts should be glad for the promises that keep us going, and giving. Give thanks to the Lord for all things; rejoice in the hope we have for each day that is found in Christ Jesus.
PRAYER: LOVING God, may we not lose sight of what this week is all about. May our Thanksgiving be truly about what You have shared with us. May we bless others with that same joy as we give You thanks. This is our prayer in Jesus' precious name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Update: Mrs. Cassandra Cochran underwent a successful surgery and initial reports are that the tumor was benign. May we continue praying that this be so and that healing is coming to her soon. In Jesus' name, amen!
