Read Through the Bible in 2 years: Proverbs 5; John 6:1-40

“When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!” … Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.”
John 6:14, 26 ESV

Earlier in the book of John, we read that Philip told Nathanael, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph,” (John 1:45) and Jesus himself said, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.” (John 5:46) Jesus had done so many miraculous signs – turning water into wine, healing the sick and lame, feeding thousands with a few fish and loaves of bread – proving again and again that He was the Messiah and Emmanuel, God with us.

Yet, the people were following Him
not because He was the way, the truth, and the life,
but because of the wonderful gifts that He gave.

Which makes me think of Solomon’s warnings in Proverbs 5, “Why should you be intoxicated, my son, with a forbidden woman and embrace the bosom of an adulteress? For a man’s ways are before the eyes of the LORD, and he ponders all his paths. The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.” (verses 20-23 ESV)

How often are we like foolish children, chasing after the fleeting desires of the flesh, rather than pursuing the giver of every good and perfect gift! It reminds me of something C.S. Lewis once said, “We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” (“the Weight of Glory”)

Lord Jesus, I come to You because You are the one true Messiah, the only Savior, the only way to the true and living God.

Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and Sustainer of life. You have caused all things to exist by Your will. It is Your breath of life that fills my lungs. You are on Your throne, whether I believe You or follow You … or not.

Help me to turn away from sin and turn towards You. Forgive me for all those times that I’ve let sinners entice me. Forgive me for all those times I’ve gone my own way, chasing after Your good gifts while turning my back on their Giver, worshipping created things rather than the Creator.

Help me to share the good news of the gospel with the lost. Help me to WANT everyone to know the joy and peace and freedom that I’ve found in You.

In the Perfect Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Click here for more on “Reading through the Bible in Two Years”.