Day 131

1 Samuel 10:1–11:15; John 6:43-71; Psalm 107:1-43; Proverbs 15:1-3

SAUL HAD TAKEN a servant and set out to find lost donkeys. He had no idea that he would return the anointed king of Israel, but when he encountered Samuel, this is exactly what happened. Samuel anointed him with oil and gave him several prophetic words that all came true in succession. Then Samuel summoned the people of Israel to the town of Mizpah, which was near Saul’s hometown of Gibeah; both towns were within view of Jerusalem.

With much fanfare, Samuel drew lots to systematically narrow down the chosen one before the people. When Saul was selected, he was nowhere to be found. “So they asked the LORD, ‘Where is he?’ And the LORD replied, ‘He is hiding among the baggage’” (1 Samuel 10:22).

How often have we witnessed God’s movement in our lives and felt called or chosen to participate, only to hide in our own baggage when the time to step forward arrives? We see that Saul indeed looks the part of his calling, but he also carries within himself a great flaw —the fear of other people. We each carry this flaw to some degree. Saul will show us where those roads lead and will offer us clear choices for our lives.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus simply cleared the deck. After continually being challenged to prove Himself, He told the crowds surrounding Him that if they didn’t eat His flesh and drink His blood, they could not have eternal life within them. This was obviously a poor marketing choice. But Jesus wasn’t trying to build a fan base. He wasn’t interested in the circus that had begun swirling around Him.

He clarified His teaching: “I live because of the living Father who sent me; in the same way, anyone who feeds on me will live because of me. I am the true bread that came down from heaven. Anyone who eats this bread will not die as your ancestors did” (John 6:57-58).

Jesus was showing the crowd that there can be no eternal life unless there is union with God —a oneness of being and collaborative intertwining that we would otherwise call a truly life-giving relationship. But the people left in droves. Even some who had become close followers of Jesus abandoned Him.

As the crowds were slinking away, Jesus continued: “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me” (John 6:63-64).

It’s a rather sobering and tragic scene to watch. The people heard the truth and walked away from God. Jesus turned to his twelve disciples. “Are you also going to leave?” He asked (John 6:67).

Simon Peter responded to Jesus’ question, and his words must deeply and truly become our own: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).

Jesus was never interested in forming a fan club. He still isn’t. His message has a cost: everything. All that we are without Him. Union with God is something that will burn to ashes everything else. But in that burning is a rebirth, and that rebirth is eternal. The crowds left Jesus because they did not have ears to hear or eyes to see. Are we the same? What are the thoughts and intents of our hearts really saying about Jesus? Because in Him, union with God is not only possible —it’s eternal.

MEDITATION:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. Has the LORD redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies.