Many churches today have turned themselves to entertainment and food in order to get folks to visit their congregation. Often the story is the same. On days or nights when the "kitchen" is open hardly a spot can be found on a pew. At other times, when there is no food, there is plenty of room.
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled" (Matthew 5:4.) One has to wonder if the days of people seeking the food the Lord provides are really over. There was a time when seeking nourishment for the soul was what people sought and prized more than anything. Now we jokingly say that if we put up the McDonalds "golden arches" we could fill the building up. Perhaps so.
Jesus fed the multitude with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish but this was done to show His mighty power. He did not use the promise of food to entice the crowd to come hear Him teach. The miracle made its intended impact as the crowd acknowledged Him as "the prophet" (John 6:1-14.) But on the next day, the multitude sought Jesus because they had eaten and were filled not because they were seeking righteousness. This time Jesus fed them with a different meal-the truth. He spoke to them about the "true manna" from heaven and how they could partake and live forever. Jesus was that true manna and the bread of life. He told them to "labor not for food that perishes but for that which endures to everlasting life" (John 6:27.) With no more physical food to eat, and with having to listen to the truth, many disciples walked no more with Him (John 6:66.)
Sadly, things haven't changed much today. Kitchens, fellowship halls, lifecenters, or whatever we may call them, are filled with people that seek to elevate physical things with spiritual. Do not be deceived. Many will listen to preaching or "suffer through" a service but the real thing they are looking forward to is the meal afterward. In many places, if the kitchen were taken away, the attendance would decline.
Let us not be like the crowd that followed Jesus to be fed with food. Let us return to a time when seeking truth and righteousness were the primary drive of people looking for God. The Lord provides for the physical needs of life for those who "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness"(Matthew 6:33.) The kingdom of God is not food and drink but peace, joy, and love. Don't be guilty of turning the Lord's church, that which he purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28,) into a restaurant.
author: Wayde Miller, Evangelist
No comments:
Post a Comment