Am I Satisfied by the Bread of Life?

Last night
at church, our youth pastor taught on a passage I’ve not only read, but taught
on many, many times, but something jumped out at me as I read it. We were
reading about when Jesus fed the five thousand. The people experienced a
miracle when Jesus turned the five loaves and two fish into a meal for 5000.
However, their amazement didn’t last long.

The very
next day, they sought Jesus out. They didn’t search for him because of who he
was, but because they were hungry. They felt entitled to another miracle – more
food.

We can be
the same way. Several years ago, I was convicted of this in my own life. I
realized that I had grown to love the gifts God had given to me more than I
loved God himself. We need to guard against this. Any good gift that he gives
should point us back to the goodness and graciousness of God.

We give our
children gifts to express our love. While we hope that they will enjoy the
gifts, we long even more that know how much we love them.

Jesus said,
“I am the bread of life.” In essence, part of what he was trying to communicate
to the people is “I am The Gift. Find your satisfaction in me.” There is
nothing greater than knowing Jesus. It’s the relationship that matters, not the
gifts.

So, next
time God doesn’t grant you your wish, ask yourself this question. Do I only
love him when he gives me what I want or will I love him for who he is?