"It Cost - Part 2"

"Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." John 6:26

There are so many who "follow" Jesus because of what He can do for them. They want the blessings, the provisions, the material supply that He gives. There are those who are "spiritual thrill seekers". They follow Him because they enjoy seeing the miraculous, they want to "feel" a touch, they like "supernatural experiences".

Following Jesus isn't always easy. We talked yesterday about there being a price to following Him- it will cost us something. If you're following Him for the "loaves to fill your stomach" or the "miracles to stir you up", eventually He's going to turn to you and say that unless you eat His flesh and drink His blood you will have no part with Him. (John 6) Then what will you do? Your true motive for following will be revealed because at that moment you will have to examine yourself as to why you are following. Then you will have to make the decision to either partake of the bread and the blood or turn from following.

"Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him." (John 6:60,66) To continue to follow Him was a greater cost than they were willing to pay. If you are following for the "loaves" or the "miracles" then you really aren't following Him because it cost you nothing. And in following Him, the closer you follow the more it will cost you. Are you following for the wrong reasons? Are you ready to follow Him no matter the cost? Are you willing to do that which is "hard" to follow Him? You have to decide if you are willing to pay what it cost. But to choose not to follow will cost you much more.

Have a great day. If you desire to follow Him no matter how much it cost, then you are following Him for the right reason.