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Intention

To live in the light of eternity in every decision we make.

Scripture

“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’

Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.  Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.’”

– John 6:25–27

Reflection

When I read this verse recently, the word ‘eternal’ jumped out at me.

The context of the verse fits within a series of events. First, Jesus feeds the 5,000. Then He withdraws alone to a mountain. He knew the people who saw the miraculous sign intended to come and make Him king by force (John 6:15).

As evening came, His disciples stepped into a boat and set off for Capernaum without Him. It was dark and a storm hit (John 6:16–18). They had rowed in the wind and the waves for five or six kilometres before Jesus approached them.

When the disciples finally recognised Him, they let Him in the boat. “Immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21).

In the meantime, those fed, back on the other side, were still searching for Jesus. They realised the next morning that neither He nor His disciples were around, so they too got into a boat and went across to Capernaum (John 6:24).

The story picks up with them asking, “Rabbi, when did you get here?” (John 6:25). Jesus, knowing their hearts, cuts to the core of the matter. They were not seeking Him for eternal things but for worldly reasons. He warns them “not to work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27).

It is interesting to compare the journeys across the lake between Jesus’ disciples and those larger crowds. The first group was seeking the eternal. But the second group was seeking Jesus for worldly, temporal reasons. The first had a frightening journey of darkness, wild winds and waves. They had a life-threatening journey where even their first vision of Jesus was terrifying on the water. But the latter had sunshine, a great view and calm sailing.

Seeking the food that endures to eternal life is not calm sailing. When we choose obedience to Christ, it is often uncomfortable sailing.

I asked myself these questions: “How much do I consider eternity in every little decision I make in my home, my relationships and how I live my life? How many times do I choose the easy route, the one with less conflict, less sacrifice and where I have the most control?” If weighed in the balance, I fear I would be found wanting.

Arthur Stace was known as Mr Eternity in Sydney. He was a former drunkard and criminal before he came to Christ. Stace was interviewed in 1964 and asked, “What motivated you to write the word ‘Eternity’ on the streets of Sydney?”

Stace replied he felt compelled to do so after he sat in a church listening to Rev. John Ridley’s sermon. He was cut to the heart by these words, “Eternity, eternity, where will you be in eternity?”

We were created for eternity. Therefore, let us live as though eternity is our destination.

Video

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Even from eternity, You are the sovereign God, our Creator and Redeemer. There is none beside You and none who can deliver out of Your hand.

You have set eternity in our hearts, and no matter how much we ignore this fact, creation declares it day and night.

I confess I have not kept eternal, spiritual things at the forefront of my mind. But have focussed on the here and now, the transient things, the securities, the comforts and temporal luxuries of life. I humbly ask for Your mercy and forgiveness.

Help me to hold the things that are unseen and eternal as most important. May I never lose sight of Your calling upon my life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever (1 Tim 1.17). Amen.

Author Bio

Cindy McGarvie is National Director of Youth for Christ Australia. She met her husband, Rod, in the Australian Army, and together they served as missionaries with Wycliffe Bible Translators for twelve years, raising five children on the mission field. Cindy and her husband live in Brisbane, Australia.

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