August 9, 2009
FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY
As a parent I know that if children don’t eat well, they don’t grow up to be strong and healthy in life. During the season of Pentecost, God reveals His desire to see His children grow up to be strong and healthy, not just physically but spiritually. And He knows for that to happen, we need to be fed. Last week we watched as God rained down bread from Heaven to feed His grumbling, squabbling children on their journey through the wilderness. This week God shows us where our real FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY comes from! Read on….
Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, “Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you.” So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel” 1 Kings 19:4, 7-8
Because of the miraculous work God had done through him on Mt. Carmel (plus that fact that he killed of all her prophets) Jezebel, the king’s wife vowed to kill Elijah before the end of the day. Elijah was scared and he was tired. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died” 1 Kings 19:4. Notice that the angel didn’t say “Oh come on Elijah, you can do this.” Instead he told Elijah “You CAN’T do this” at least not without the FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY that I give you.
Jesus replied, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:51
Jesus Christ is our Bread from Heaven. He not only the One bought us our ticket to our final destination – heaven; He is our FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY this side of Heaven and like Elijah, we can’t do this without Him.
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy… Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians
Jesus is the ONLY FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY we need to live a God pleasing life this side of Heaven. It is ONLY by the power of His Spirit that we have the strength to throw off our old sinful habits and sinful way of life; it is by ONLY His Grace that we are recreated (each and every day) with a new nature that is righteous, holy, and pure; and it is ONLY His example that motivates us and shows us how to love.
It’s all about JESUS – in the destination and in the journey. When we face difficulties; when we get scared, frustrated, or just plain tired; when we come to a point where we feel like saying “I have had enough, Lord,” God comes to us and feeds us with JESUS, our Bread for Life. And like Elijah, we CAN’T go on without Him. “Taste and see that the LORD is good!” Psalm 34:8 and Praise God for the abundance of FOOD FOR THE JOURNEY!!
Father, thank you for feeding us true bread from Heaven – your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to see that bread, accept it, and let it nourish our souls for the journey, just as the food you give us to eat nourishes our bodies. Help us everyday to “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To you be glory both now (in the journey) and forever (for the destination)! Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
Week ending: August 9, 2009
Monday – (Old Testament)
1 Kings 19:1-8
LET GO OF THE ROPE and Let God feed you with JESUS – your bread for the destination and the journey
Tuesday – Psalm 34:1-8
Glorify the Lord with me – let us EXALT HIS NAME together
Wednesday –(Epistle)
Ephesians 4:17 – 5:2
Read vrs 29. Do you know anyone that needs to be fed FOOD FOR THEIR JOURNEY?
Thursday – (Gospel)
John 6:35-51
Think of this passage the next time you are at His table
Friday –be a DOG – depend ONLY on God to feed you true Bread from Heaven – the body and blood of Jesus Christ
Saturday – SHARE ways in which God has fed you with JESUS on your journey this week
Sunday – Bon Apetite
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