Last night for Ray’s birthday, we went out to eat at a little near-by, rural restaurant, well-known in this area for its delicious steaks and crab legs. The Friday night special was prime rib, which Ray and I both ordered (Our daughter Leah opted for a cheeseburger!). The prime rib lives up to its reputation – a thick, tender, juicy piece of meat. Yep, it put a smile on Ray’s face. We finished his birthday off at home with the dessert I made him, carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.
Meat is not for a baby, but for adults. Jesus spoke of the meat of the Kingdom to his disciples, when He had just spent time with the Samaritan woman at the well, who had five husbands and who was now living with a man who wasn’t her husband.
The disciples were surprised that Jesus was talking to her, a Samaritan and a woman. After spending time with Jesus, she had returned to her town to tell everyone she knew about this man, the Messiah, and to come see Him. Jesus was waiting for her at the well. He had specifically chosen this woman with a past to use her for His glory. The disciples had gone to buy some meat for Jesus and themselves, and when they returned with dinner, they urged Jesus to eat.
“In the meantime, his disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” But He said to them, “I have food (meat) to eat of which you do not know.” Therefore, the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him anything to eat?” Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, “There are still four months, and then comes the harvest?” Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.” (John 4:31-35, NKJV)
The meat Jesus was talking about was spiritual, not physical. His purpose was to do the will of God while He was here on earth. That is our purpose, too. God has divine appointments for us, people He wants us to talk to and to touch with His love and forgiveness each day. He wants us to share the “meat” of His word with others, His words of eternal truth, that will minister to them, encourage their hearts, and set them free.
We are to find out the kind of work God wants us to do, and then finish it. Maybe today you will come across a “woman at the well” – someone in need, who’s been hurting. Take a moment to sit and talk with her, or with him. God wants to use you to provide that person with spiritual nourshiment, the good news of the gospel, to feed their soul. Just open your eyes, and look – the harvest fields are ready.
No Comments