Intimacy With God part 5

Every lasting relationship is comprised of 3 vital elements.  The 6th chapter of John's Gospel shows all 3 elements of our relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  So far this week we have seen the first 2 elements- the physical and emotional. Now we will see the greatest of them all.

 

Here's a little snack: Jesus was not slow to provide sustenance for His followers.  They had traveled a long way to get to know Him better, and He gave them what they wanted- and left overs to boot.  Their physical needs were no match for God's Son. Neither did He forsake them emotionally.  When the disciples were afraid for their lives and the emotion of fear became overwhelming, Jesus calmed the storm of their life for the purpose of giving them peace.  The emotional element of their relationship was taken seriously by our Lord.

 

The third element of Christ's relationship with His people (as is seen in every lasting relationship) finds its origin in verses 26 and 27: "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. "

 

Notice that Jesus did not forsake the physical and emotional aspects of His relationship with His people.  He took very good care of them in both of these areas.  However, verse 27 shows us that there is a third and most vital element of every lasting relationship that absolutely cannot be forsaken.  "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life,..."  The spiritual aspect of a relationship is the most important.  Unfortunately, it is often the most forsaken.

 

We are quick to see the physical needs of those around us.  Often, the emotional is equally difficult to overlook.  But way too seldom to we take the necessary time to cradle with loving care the spiritual needs of those we love.  These are the "everlasting" things that Jesus is speaking of. 

 

Men and women alike are drawn to the oposite sex both physically and emotionally- this is very natural. But in the end, what really matters; and what lasts eternally, are the spiritual properties of a relationship.  When we see someone hurting in the body we do our part to sustain them to health, as Jesus did by feeding the multitude.  Likewise, few can look past the one who is mourning the loss of a dear friend.  With loving arms we wait with them silently.  But few of us are willing to go all the way- pointing others to an everlasting relationship with God's Son.

 

Notice the conclusion of verse 27, "...which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed."  Many men will enter your life who can care for you physically.  Some will even dare to care for you emotionally.  But only Jesus can take you all the way. "...for him hath God the Father sealed."  Jesus is God's chosen method for eternal life.  May we never look past the physical and emotional needs of those around us. But most importanly, may we take people to Jesus today that they may have intimacy with God for all eternity.