As I continue studying the Gospel of John, I notice the different groups of people mentioned. We have Jesus' closest friends, his disciples. The next group is the disbelieving majority. These people were angry and offended that Christ wasn't who they wanted Him to be.
But the most challenging group to read about was those who only followed Him for His miracles. This group reminds me a lot of many of our Western churches here in America: people who are constantly searching for miracles and blessings, people who, if those miracles and blessings were to end, would become despondent and potentially disenchanted with their faith.
The members of this group only want the good parts of life; they never understand suffering, and they desperately seek the next feel-good experience through a "move" of the Holy Spirit or an emotive worship conference. Unfortunately, our young people are entirely wrapped up in this lie. The daily act of picking up our daily cross, walking in obedience, and abiding in His Word is not appealing to them at all. And yet, this is what we are called to—every day.
Does that mean we will not have emotional experiences as we seek salvation? Of course not! But when those seem few and far between, that does not mean the Lord isn't right beside us. It does not mean that we are not a Christian. It also does not mean that we are necessarily doing anything wrong. Our walk of faith is rooted in the truth of what Scripture tells us.
Like the crowds in John, this group didn't want His words. They wanted His signs. Ultimately, they decided to walk away from the Light of the World, the Living Water, and the Bread of Life, all because Christ wanted them awestruck with the glory of God and not the glory of a miracle. The irony was that He is the greatest miracle. And He was standing right before them, asking them to "come." The Word of God made flesh who came to dwell with us so that He might redeem us. But that wasn't enough for them. Will it be enough for us?
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