RECOGNIZING CHRIST BEYOND THE LOAVES 2
JULY 7, 2026
TEXT: Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (JOHN 6:26–27)
Today, we shall continue the topic we commenced yesterday about the need to see beyond material rewards in Christ Jesus.
As discussed yesterday, temporary or makeshift blessings can blur our vision and make it quite herculean for us to see beyond the present and aim for a glorious future. In the wilderness of Sin, the Israelites received their daily manna from God, and they ultimately felt calm and complacent. They saw no need to aim higher because, firstly, all they saw in God was the “food-providing” God, and they totally conditioned their minds to obtain only food and water from God, and nothing more.
God does not intend that His gifts replace His communion with us. One of the greatest tragedies in life is to receive material things from God but have no spiritual connection with Him as our Father. (John 17:4; James 4:8).
Jesus is interested in everything about us, even the smallest details. It is therefore abnormal to think that we only need Him to solve our problems. God is not a fire extinguisher that is only resorted to in times of danger, perplexity, and insecurity.
God is not inviting us into a “seller-consumer” relationship. A consumer leaves when the producer, wholesaler, or retailer fails to deliver the premium quality that satisfies his needs. A “Christian-consumer” will surely leave when he feels he no longer enjoys anything worthwhile from God.
Genuine faith is tested and brought to the fore during tempestuous seasons; seasons that make it look as though God is completely silent or even non-existent.
In John 6, we are made to understand that some followers left Jesus, perhaps because they did not get their specific material cravings met through His ministry. Real faith shows when miracles are delayed, life appears unbearable, obedience appears more sacrificial than ever before, etc.
SEARCHLIGHT: Temporary blessings can close the doors to eternal satisfaction. Strive to go beyond surface impacts and desire deeper ones.
PRAYER: O LORD, help me to see deeply into You, far beyond superficial things, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Psalm 21–23, Revelation 3
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
