John 6:44 – God Moves

“For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up.” (John 6:44)

Not only is this a great memory verse, but it is also packed with truths we don’t often reflect on. What did Jesus mean when he said it? Who was he talking to? Those are the kinds of questions that get answered when we look at the context or bigger picture. Always ask, “what can I learn from where this single verse got plucked?”

Context: In this case, there is a lot going on in Chapter 6 of John’s gospel. So many stories of Jesus, including the feeding of the 5,000 with a few fish and loaves of bread, and the memorable episode of Jesus walking on the water. By verse 44, Jesus is responding to a group of people in the crowd who were questioning his reference to himself and eternal life. How could just a “normal” person make such claims? Jesus’ statement to them is bold and very direct. We can glean truth from these words.

Jesus said, “no one” can come to him unless God does something. That’s powerful. Does that mean we are first invited by God into a relationship with him before we approach him? Our desire to be close to God, to fill that empty space inside us, is given to each of us, isn’t it? God wants us all in heaven, that’s why we’ve been commanded to make disciples.

It comes down to being ready. Some people are so focused on their own “stuff” they shut out the voice of God, either on purpose or by accident. People go through phases in their life when they test the waters of independence. Even Adam and Eve challenged the boundaries God set for them when they ate the forbidden fruit. They missed out on so much of what God had planned for them. I don’t want to miss a thing, any part of God’s will for my life.

I want God to know that I am ready to listen and to draw closer to Jesus. I have read His invitation loud and clear as I have studied and reflected on his Word. The more time we invest, it seems, the more God reveals. Yet, we all know examples of when God showed up and used someone unprepared who wasn’t listening and was far from God. We’ll never be able to figure out God’s timing and why he chooses who he does.

The last part of that verse is what motivates us, if we need that extra push. I can’t imagine not being raised up to life with and by Jesus. For most of my life, that’s been my heart’s desire. I don’t spend every waking moment dreaming of eternity, but I do enough to realize that the alternative, a life of perpetual darkness and fear is not what I want my forever to look like.

This memory verse is there to help us stay focused on what’s important. We need to be ready to receive God’s call on our lives and be ready to drop everything if that’s what God does to get our attention. Be prepared for God to reveal himself in an enticing way to get us ready for our final destination. It’s time we open our eyes to see how God is moving.

Let’s pray. Thank you, for the honor to be in relationship with you. It humbles me to think you want that, too, and have chosen me. May everything I say and do bring glory to your name. Forgive me for those times when I have thought I had it all figured out but did not. Your grace and mercy shall follow me, and for that I am beyond grateful. In Jesus’ name. Amen.