There is always something exciting about a crowd. You
know that something is happening even if you do not know what it is. Everyone
is there for the experience, but not everyone has the correct understanding or
the precise meaning of why each individual has gathered. Sometimes a crowd can
hide the true meaning of a gathering in order to focus on some other
alternative objective. For example, I love to go to sporting events on occasion
and my wife likes to go sparingly. When we get to the game, I am examining all
of the details of the plays and players as they take the field and strategize
on how to overcome an opponent: this is the main purpose for the sporting
event. My wife, on the other hand, finds people-watching and the scenery
of these events as more entertaining rather than what’s happening on the field,
although she is aware of the scoring and cheering that follows. So, we are at
the same event but are seeing very different perspectives on what is most
meaningful.
The crowd at the scene of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of
thousands does not seem to be on the same page with the importance and purpose
of the gathering or mind-boggling miracle that has just taken place. So, they
follow Jesus with more concern about what they get out of the gathering (“Let’s
make Him our King!”) as a whole rather than why Jesus performed such a miracle
in the first place. The crowd’s prowess in following the steps of Jesus for
their own individual goals appears to lack awareness of the action and teaching
of Jesus. They are to understand and know who God is and believe in the One
whom God has sent to them. In this case, Jesus calls for a break from the
crowd and asks his disciples to follow Him in belief. The Son of God was sent
from above to provide that which sustains the individual for eternity, not just
that which serves a temporary but real pleasure.
People want what they want. God never seems like enough to
those walking in darkness. Jesus’ followers are standing on shaky ground with
half-hearted faith. We must lay down personal agendas in the wake of trusting
in the work of God through Jesus Christ.
In all your getting, realize that understanding has more
significance than placing your belief in material satisfaction and personal
greed. We are called to have a personal relationship with the Lord. We must
learn to trust and to know Jesus. We ought to be caught up in who He is and
desire spiritual matters that are important to our understanding and walk with
Him. Don’t allow the crowd’s noise to distract from accomplishing the will of
God through you in Christ Jesus.
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