Read John 6:35-40
Even as we’re preparing to celebrate Jesus’ first coming as a helpless babe, we can’t help but remember his life and some of the great lessons he taught us. In this passage, Jesus teaches of the last day and the reason he came in the first place.
What did Jesus say about that? “For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will.” That’s good counsel for us as well when we wonder what our purpose in life is. We can ponder all day long why God created us. What is our job on earth? I love how Rick Warren’s book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” breaks it down into five purposes. They all point back to loving God and others while doing his will. The high schoolers at the orphanage are walking through that book with me, and it’s been great to see the lightbulbs going on that will help them in life to live how God desires.
When we trust Jesus, he himself declares we will never hunger or thirst again. He doesn’t mean our food and drink but our very soul. We will be satisfied. Have you ever felt a little empty inside like something is missing? You may even try to fill it with new “stuff” all the time or keeping busy so you don’t feel that “loneliness.” That’s the “hunger” Jesus is talking about.
God created us to be in relationship with him. When we don’t honor that “purpose,” we can feel the hunger pains of life. Advent is a perfect time to be intentional about spending time with God. There is so much focus on preparations, whether it’s putting up the tree, baking cookies, shopping for the perfect gifts, attending programs, etc. How would those activities look if you invited God to go along with you?
You may be thinking, I do believe, why am I still feeling unsatisfied? We need to be filling ourselves with Jesus regularly, not just for an hour at church on Sunday. Our spiritual hunger needs to be nurtured, and building a strong relationship with Jesus is key.
What does Jesus promise us in this reading? Verse 40 says, “For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” The last day is coming. That’s what we’ve been getting ready for during Advent. Jesus will return, and this promise will be fulfilled. He is coming back for those who believe in him. Hallelujah!
Let’s pray. King Jesus, thank you for how you satisfy my soul with your presence. I am thrilled to know you want a relationship with me. I look forward to each moment we spend together. Help me to welcome you into each moment as I wait for your return. I trust you and adore you, Christ the Lord. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen.
