My Desires vs. Devotion

SCRIPTURE:

OBSERVATION:

In this scripture the crowd followed Jesus because of what they desired and wanted from Him as they saw the signs He performed.  If we remember that they were awaiting the messiah and even stated that He must be “the Prophet,” their hearts were still set on perhaps what would or could be done for them, rather than be devoted to Him for who He was having performed miracles.  The scriptures continue to share how they grumbled with doubt rather than welcome Jesus in faith having seen Him feed the five thousand.  And when they concluded that what Jesus said was not what they wanted to hear, some deserted Jesus and challenging His words and claiming that what He asked was too much for them.

APPLICATION:

My point here is that it seems to be a natural part of our character to seek what will benefit us, rather than honoring Jesus what He did for us.  Simply put, we seek continued self-benefits and our desires, rather than devotion first to Him that would lead to blessings.  Do we sometimes put Jesus in a bottle like a genie wanting Him mainly to give us all of our desires?  I want to be someone that follows Jesus for who He is rather than what He can do for me first.  May I walk in faith and in relationship with Jesus trusting that good will be bestowed upon me based on what He desires for me rather than what I want.  May I keep my heart open to all that the Word says rather than cherry-picking what I want to hear or questioning my obedience to walk in His will.

PRAYER:

Dear Jesus, thank you that you gave your life that I might have life eternal.  May that be all that I need to remember so that my heart before you will be about devotion, following you for who you are, following your Word in obedience, praying for all things, and knowing that as your word says, good things come to those who seek and follow you.