My victory and honor come from God alone.
….He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
….Pour out your heart to him,
….for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:7-8 NLT

John 6:61-65 (<<click here to read the passage)

As I stepped into a public restroom over the weekend, I could not help but hear a relative newborn wailing in the adjacent women’s restroom. I imagine the mother was attempting to change the child’s diaper and they were anything but happy! It was a quick trip for me, but the child could be heard wailing long before I entered and long after I had left.

The only thing the wailing accomplished was to bring attention to the child’s need – or probably their displeasure with the circumstances in which they found themselves. The cries of frustration in and of themselves accomplished absolutely nothing.

All newborns are in the same boat. I’ve recently seen videos of people coming to the aid of a newborn goose and one of a squirrel as well. They would both have died relatively quickly had it not been for the compassionate intervention of caring individuals. Whatever efforts they put forth were completely inconsequential in their ultimate survival.

In verse 63 of today’s passage Jesus proclaims,

The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. NLT [emphasis mine]

In our thick-headed arrogance, many of us think we have it all together. Especially in our country, we have the mentality that we can do it ourselves. We don’t need anybody! Many scoff at the idea of God. Believing in anything like that is just a crutch for the weak of mind. But in that, we err in great magnitude. Yes, God allows us a time of freedom to exercise our free will but as I have to remind myself over and over again, time will come to an end. This earthly body will not – it cannot – live forever. And honestly, I would not choose for it to. I have seen too many examples of how time ravages the body and mind.

It shows great wisdom, as we put up with body and mind, to put our effort and energy into the pursuit of Jesus’ words of spirit and life – that is eternal life in Him!

Lord Jesus, may I live with that intent in mind. And just as important may I be diligent in pointing others to You, our only hope of salvation. For it is only because of your compassionate intervention that we have the assurance of receiving that gift of eternal life. Amen.

June 7th, 2021, Mon, 8:19 pm