Ye Seek Me, Not Because Ye Saw The Miracles

YE SEEK ME, NOT BECAUSE YE SAW THE MIRACLES

By John C. Carpenter

In the book of John, the apostle John tells a story that not only refers to a major problem found in the development of the early Christian church, but also refers to the most significant problem faced by today's Christian church. John wrote, When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed (John 6:24-27). What did Jesus mean when he told the multitudes surrounding Him Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles...? To best understand the meaning of Jesus' statement, we must first examine the context of these verses. What did the miracles that Jesus performed mean? Why did Jesus perform miracles at all, and what did the miracles Jesus performed give evidence of? What was their significance? The scriptures answer these questions for us.

YE SEEK ME, NOT BECAUSE YE SAW THE MIRACLES

As we asked, why did Jesus perform so many miracles, or any miracles at all, and what was the purpose for those miracles? No doubt the Lord had compassion for and wanted to help those in need, but, according to the scriptures, the main reason for Jesus' miracles was to show, to give evidence to every unbeliever, including the Jews, that he was the old testament Messiah [Hebrew, mashiyach, anointed, a consecrated person such as a king, priest, or saint, or appointed], the new testament Christ [Greek, Christos, anointed, consecrated to an office or religious service], the anointed one, and the Son of God. The multitudes of unbelievers, Jews and Gentiles alike, did not understand, believe, nor accept that Jesus was the Christ, the anointed one, nor did they believe that His heavenly Father was working through Him. Day after day, those around Jesus, as well as His very own disciples, saw the numerous miracles He performed. But there was a problem with that. They saw the miracles, but, even after seeing, many still did not understand or believe that Jesus was the Christ. Simply, they did not attribute the miracles Jesus performed as evidence that Jesus was the anointed Messiah, Christ and Son of God.

For example, the apostle John teaches us, The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light [the revelation of Jesus Christ with an understanding of whom He is] with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Lord, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of the Lord been revealed? Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them (John 12:29-40).

John later added, And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me [that I am the Christ]. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you (John 10:22-26). The unbelievers, including the Jews, plainly saw and experienced the miracles performed by Jesus, but they still refused to believe he was the Christ.

The apostle Matthew clarified the connection between Jesus' miracles and His Messiahship by writiing “Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, And said unto him, Art thou he that should come [the Messiah, Christ, Son of God], or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them” (Matthew 11:2-5). As we see in these verses, even the apostle John heard of the works, the miracles, performed by Christ, but was still not sure this was the true and long awaited for Christ. So, John sent two of his own disciples to ask Jesus if he was the Christ and Son of God who was to come, or should they all look for someone else, another person, to come later. With frustration in His voice, Jesus told the two disciples, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. Basically, Jesus instructed John and his two disciples to reconsider the miracles that had been performed by Jesus, and decide for themselves if these miracles had been performed by the anointed Christ, or someone else. Jesus was making the point that the miracles, themselves, were the indication, the evidence, that He was in fact the old testament Messiah, the new testament Christ, and the Son of God.

John also wrote these words: "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him [that He was the Messiah and Christ] (John 2:11), and“The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him” (John 3:2). Later John added, "Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet [the Christ] that should come into the world” (John 6:13-14), as well as,"Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. If this man were not of God, he could do nothing [miraculous]. They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee” (John 9:32-37). Again, the point is, if Jesus was not the Christ, nor sent by God the Father, he could have done no miracles; yet, because He was the Christ, He was able to perform many miracles.

The scriptures also instruct us, Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works [miracles] that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me” (John 10:24-25).

Regarding the miraculous resurrection of Jesus' friend, Lazarus, we read, Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it. Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days. Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me [and that therefore I am the Christ and Son of God ] (John 11:38-42). Despite being dead for four days, Lazarus' miraculous resurrection was clearly designed to show that Jesus was sent from His heavenly Father, and that He was indeed the Christ.

One of Jesus' own disciples, Philip, who walked daily with Christ, was not even sure that Jesus had been sent from the Father, nor that He was the Christ. The scriptures instruct us, Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works [Greek, ergon, an act, deed, or labour]. Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' [miracles'] sake (John 14:8-11).

On many occasions, the scriptures clearly teach us the purpose of signs: And many other signs [Greek, semeion, indication as evidenced by supernatural events, miracle, token, wonder] truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name (John 20:30-31). Although Jesus did many more signs than the signs recorded in the scriptures, the signs, wonders, and miracles that were recorded in the scriptures were performed by Jesus as evidence that Jesus was the anointed One, the Christ, and to bring unbelievers to a saving knowledge and faith in Jesus as the Christ.

In the book of the Acts of the apostles,we read, Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved [exhibit, demonstrate, credit, prove] of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs [indications that Jesus was the Christ], which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know (Acts 2:22). Some of Christ's own disciples did, however, understand the purpose of signs and miracles. Peter and John prayed, And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness(Acts 4:29-31). We also read, Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands [so that those around them should believe]” (Acts 14:3). Writing to the church in Rome, the apostle Paul said, “For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ" (Rom 15:18-19).

The apostle John, referred to a man named Nicodemus, who, although being a Jew, understood clearly the relationship between Christ's miracles and Jesus being the Christ and Son of God: There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him (John 3:1-2).

According to the scriptures, the signs and miracles Jesus performed were designed to make one significant point – that Jesus was the Messiah, the Christ, and the Son of the living God. The multitudes, expecially the Jews, that surrounded Jesus saw the many miracles He performed, but with stubborn unbelief, they continued to refuse to believe in Him, to believe that He was the anointed one of God the Father, and the Christ. They would not acknowledge Him as Christ, nor would they love and worship Him as the Christ and Son of God. The miracles they observed Him perform made no difference in their consideration of, nor relationship to, Jesus. Jesus plainly told them, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles [which were themselves clear evidence that I am the Christ]. In spite of seeing the many miracles Jesus did, some of His own disciples were not even sure who He was, with the exception of Simon Peter. They had walked with Him daily, heard His words of wisdom and instruction, and saw first hand the miracles that only God could have performed through Him. We read, When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying,Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mat 16:13-19). Through His words, wisdom, knowledge, deeds, and miracles, Jesus left no doubt as to His identity – He was the anointed One, the Messiah, the Christ, and the Son of the living God, although after seeing the miracles Jesus performed, many still failed to understand who He truly was and is.

BECAUSE YE DID EAT OF THE LOAVES, AND WERE FILLED

If the multitudes did not accept Jesus as the Christ, why did they then continue to seek Him? As John explained in our subject verses, those around Jesus were seeking Him not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat [Greek, phago, to eat literally or figuratively, to devour, or to receive nourishment for strength and life] of the loaves [Greek, artos, bread as raised, loaf, or shewbread], and were filled [Greek, chortazo, to fodder, to gorge, to supply food in abundance, or to satisfy]. What did Jesus mean when He said ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled? What did eating of the loaves and being filled symbolize?

In order to understand what Jesus meant by this statement, we should consider the context of His words. John, the apostle, instructs us, After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. And a great multitude [Greek, ochlos, a throng as borne along, a class of people, a riot, complany, or number of people] followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. When they were filled [Greek, empiplemi, to fill in or up, or to satisfy], he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world (John 6:1-14).

At the sea of Galilee, a great multitude were hungry, and they sought out and followed Jesus because they had previously seen the miracles that Jesus had performed on them that were diseased. Jesus saw this great company, about five thousand, who He knew were hungry, and asked Philip where they could buy bread to feed this large group of people. Andrew told Jesus that there was a lad who had five barley loaves and two small fishes. Jesus then took the bread and fish, gave thanks for the food, miraculously multiplied the amount of fish and bread, and then gave the food to His disciples to distribute to the people. This miracle of multiplication was so great that all the thousands of people were fed, and there were even twelve baskets of food left over. As the story goes, when the multitude saw the miracle of multiplication that Jesus did, they became convinced that Jesus was, in fact, that prophet that should come into the world - the Christ. The point of this story is, though, that this large number of people had strong needs, needs for food. They were hungry, even starving, and they sought Jesus, hoping He would provide in their need. They were hoping that He could and would satisfy their fleshly need for food. The truth is that they sought Jesus not because of who He was, that is, Christ, but because of what He could do for them – a sad commentary on much of the current attitude of the modern day Christian church. Much of the modern day church is concerned only about self, about themselves and their own needs, and not about Christ.

MEN SHALL BE LOVERS OF THEIR OWN SELVES

Why is the world, as well as much of the modern day Christian church, so obsessed with our own needs? It is because the modern Christian church is obsessed with self. We even take pictures of ourselves on our own cell phones, which we so accurately describe as selfies. Yet, the scriptures aptly warn about the dangers of narcissistic preoccupation with the self. The apostle Paul warned, Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also onthe things of others (Philippians 2:3-4). Referring to the end times, Paul addressed the danger of self: For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God (2 Timothy 3:2-4). Yet, Jesus personally teaches us, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny [Greek, aparneomai, to deny utterly, disown, abstain, disavow, reject, or abnegate] himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Mark 8:34). The church's behavior is inconsistent with biblical teaching.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE LORD

If we are truly honest with ourselves, it is obvious that much of the modern day Christian church seeks the Lord not because of who He is, but because of what we think He can, should, or will do for us. Often, we do not love Him simply because He is God, but because we have needs that we want Him to meet. We are often seeking a miracle from Him because of our own needs, our own helplessness, and our own hopelessness. If we seek God because of who He is, and not for what He can do for us, how should we think of God the Father and Jesus Christ, His Son? What should our attitude be towards our heavenly Father, the creator of heaven and earth? What should our relationship be with Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son? As Paul expressed to Timothy, the believer in Christ should know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth (1 Timothy 3:15). But does the modern day Christian church really know how to behave ourselves towards God? Let us examine some of the behaviors we should have with God.

LOVE THE LORD: First of all, if we seek God for who He is, we should love God for no other reason than He is God, not for what we desire or need from Him. Moses commanded, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: thou shalt love [Hebrew, ahab, to have affection for, to treat as lovely, like, or be a close friend of] the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart (Deuteronomy 6:4-6). Through Moses, God the Father also gave these instructions: I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it (Deuteronomy 30:15-16). Jesus, Himself, even commanded the believer to love Him. In His own words, Jesus instructed some Pharisees, in general, and a Jewish lawyer in particular,Thou shalt love [Greek, agapao, to love in a social or moral sense, or to dote over] the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment (Matthew 22:37-38).

SEEK THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should seek Him with all we have, continually, and for the right reasons. The scriptures exhort us to Give thanks unto the LORD, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him, talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek [Hebrew, darash, to tread upon or frequent, to pursue or search for, to worship, inquire of, question, or seek out] the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually (1 Chronicles 16:8-11). In wisdom the prophet Hosea encourages us, Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you (Hosea 10:12). Indeed, it is time to seek the Lord. Seeking the Lord produces salvation fruit. In the book of Acts of the apostles we are told to seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring (Acts 17:27-28). When we seek the Lord, we just might find Him, and in Him then we can live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28).

Clearly, Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole [Hebrew, kole, all or every, complete, altogether, or every one] heart (Psalms 119:2). Finally, the psalmist exhorts us to give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. Sing unto him, sing psalms unto him: talk ye of all his wondrous works. Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD. Seek [Hebrew,darash, to tread on or frequent, to worship, to follow, to ask, to care for, inquire of, or search for] the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done; his wonders, and the judgments of his mouth (Psalms 105:1-5).

KNOW THE LORD: If we seek God only for who He is, we should strive to know the Lord, and especially to know and believe that He is God. In a psalm of praise, the psalmist tells us, Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know [Hebrew, yada, to know by seeing, acknowledge, become acquainted with, comprehend, discern, to make a familiar friend of, or understand fully] ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalms 100:1-5). The apostle John also tells us that we are to understand and believe the love that God has for us. John writes, Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:15-16). The apostle Paul also teaches us that we should know God in specific ways. Believers are to be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know [Greek, ginosko, be aware of, to feel, perceive, or understand] him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death (Philippians 3:9-10).

GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should also continually give thanks unto Him. The psalmist teaches, Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving [Hebrew, todah, to adore, give a sacrifice of praise, give thanks]and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations (Psalms 100:3-5). The anonymous author of 1 Chronicles instructs us to give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever (1 Chronicles 16:34), while in the psalms we read, Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare (Psalms 75:1). Paul taught Colossian believers,Let the word [of truth, the gospel message] of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him (Colossians 3:16-17). Lastly, the apostle Paul also instructed the church in Thessalonica to Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks [Greek, eucharisteo, to be grateful, to express gratitude towards, or give thanks]: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

BLESS THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should also bless and worship the Lord: Bless [Hebrew, barak, to kneel before, to adore, to recognize the abundance of, to congratulate, or to salute in praise] the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalms 103:1-4). We should remember, The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all. Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word. Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure. Bless [Hebrew, barak, to kneel before, to adore, to recognize the abundance of, to congratulate, or to salute in praise]the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul (Psalms 103:19-22).

PRAISE THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should praise Him because of His mighty acts of creation: Praise [Hebrew, halal, boast of, commend, celebrate, sing praise of, to rave about, or to cause to shine] ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD (Psalms 150:1-6). My mouth shall speak the praise [Hebrew, tehillah, to laud, to celebrate, or to commend] of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever (Psalms 145:21). David summarized, Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name (1 Chronicles 29:11-13). Finally, Paul wrote the church in Rome, again, Praise [Greek, aineo, to tell a story about, to laud, or to consider a commendable thing] the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people (Romans 15:11).

WORSHIP THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we must also worship Him. David, the psalmist, exhorts us to Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty,give unto the LORD glory and strength. Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship [Hebrew, shachah, to depress or prostrate before in homage, bow down, humbly beseech, make obeisance to, revere, or stoop before] the LORD in the beauty of holiness (Psalms 29:1-2). The believer in Christ is to understand that the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.O come, let us worship [Hebrew, shachah, to depress or prostrate before in homage, bow down, humbly beseech, make obeisance to, revere, or stoop before] and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker (Psalms 95:3-6). As God warned Israel, He also warns us that we are to worship Him, and none other: Thou calledst in trouble [because of what I can do for you and not for who I am], and I delivered thee; I answered thee in the secret place of thunder: I proved thee at the waters of Meribah. Selah. Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me; There shall no strange god be in thee; neither shalt thou worship any strange god (Psalms 81:7-9).

John, the revelator, exclaimed, Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship [Greek, proskuneo, to kiss our master's hand, to fawn over, to crouch to, prostrate oneself in homage, to revere, or to adore] before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest (Revelation 15:4).

TRUST THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should certainly trust Him. Again, David, exhorts us, Trust [Hebrew, batach, to seek refuge with, be confident in or sure of, put confidence in, or cause to hope in] in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psalms 37:3-5). The old testament prophet, Isaiah, teaches that our well being and safety are based upon keeping our mind and understanding centered upon trusting God, Isaiah wrote, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace [Hebrew,shalom, safety, happy, friendly, prosperitiy, rest, or well being], whose mind is stayed [Hebrew, samak, to lean upon, to take hold of, to stand fast with, or be sustained by] on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength: For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he layeth it low; he layeth it low, even to the ground; he bringeth it even to the dust (Isaiah 26:3-5). We also read, Trust [Hebrew, batach, be confident or sure, be bold, secure, or make to trust in] in the LORD with all thine heart [Hebrew, leb, feeling, will or intellect, center of anything, mind, or understanding]; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Lastly, the apostle Paul spoke of trusting in the Lord when he wrote the church in Philippi, I trust [Greek, peitho, to be convinced of, to agree with, have confidence in, make a friend of, be persuaded, or yield to] in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly (Philippians 2:24).

MAGNIFY THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, and not for what He can do for us, we should be eager to magnify Him. We should humbly acknowledge His greatness and magnificence. David thankfully prayed, I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify [Hebrew,gadal, boast, see as excellent, recognize greatness, lift up, promote, or view as magnificent] the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears (Psalms 34:1-4). A thankful and worshipful Mary said, My soul doth magnify [Greek, megaluno, to declare great, to see the increase of, to extol, enlarge, to consider mighty, or understand and refer to the greatness of] the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name (Luke 1:46-49). In the book of Acts, we also read about the magnification of the Lord: While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision [the Jews] which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they [the Jews] heard them [the Gentiles] speak with tongues, and magnify [ Greek, megaluno, to declare great, to see the increase of, to extol, enlarge, to consider mighty, or understand and refer to the greatness of] God … (Acts 10:44-46).

GLORIFY THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should also glorify Him. What does it mean to glorify God and Christ? It simply means consider His magnificance, and honor Him for it. David, the psalmist, exhorts and instructs believers to glorify the Lord: Ye that fear the LORD, praise him;all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify [Hebrew, kabad, to consider numerous, rich or honorable] him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel(Psalms 22:23), as well as, I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify [Hebrew, kabad, to consider numerous, rich or honorable] thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell (Psalms 86:12-13), The believer in Christ should Sing unto the LORD, all the earth; shew forth from day to day his salvation. Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations (1 Chronicles 16:23-24), Paul instructed believers to glorify God in our body as well as our spirit. Paul wrote the church in Corinth, know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify [Greek, doxazo, to render or esteem glorious, honor, give dignity to, honor, or enlarge and express the greatness of] God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), The apostle Peter even commands the believer to glorify God through their own suffering. Peter wrote, if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify [Greek, doxazo, to render or esteem glorious, honor, or magnify] God on this behalf (1 Peter 4:16). Even at the birth of Christ, the priority was the glorification of God: suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men (Luke 2:13-14). Writing to Timothy, the apostle Paul spoke of the everpresent and everlasting glory of God: This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen (1 Timothy 1:15-17). Lastly, Paul advised the Corinthian church, Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory [Greek, doxa, dignity, glorious, full of honor, to praise, or to worship] of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

HOPEIN THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should also place our hope in Him. In tremendous brokenness, and emotional and spiritual suffering and pain, David prayed, I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. But I, as a deaf man, not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O LORD, do I hope [Hebrew, yachal, to wait upon with expectation, be patient, stay, or tarry]: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God (Psalms 38:8-15). Maschal, the psalmist, expressed the solution for those who have been brought low and are in great brokenness and suffering: Why art thou cast down [Hebrew, shachach, to sink or be depressed, bend or bow down, be cast down, be humbled, or brought low], O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God (Psalms 42:11).

In his first letter ot the Thessanonian church, Paul referenced hope in the Lord: We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope [Greek, elpis, to anticipate with pleasure, to expect, or to have faith and confidence]in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). Writing to Titus, whom the apostle Paul referred to as his own son after the common faith, the apostle also referred to the hope [Greek, elpis, to anticipate with pleasure, to expect, or to have faith and confidence] of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began (Titus 1:2).

FEAR THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, we should also fully fear Him. The concept of fearing the Lord can refer either to phobic fear, with anxiety, or to moral reverence, or both. Moses clarified the believer's need to fear God: now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear [Hebrew, yare, to revere morally, be made afraid of, to consider terrible] the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul (Deuteronomy 10:12).Moses later added, Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God; him shalt thou serve, and to him shalt thou cleave, and swear by his name. He is thy praise, and he is thy God, that hath done for thee these great and terrible things, which thine eyes have seen (Deuteronomy 10:20-21). In 1 Samuel, the unclear author wrote, Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the LORD in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way: Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you (1 Samuel 12:23-24). The psalmists often refer to the need to fear the Lord: Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him (Psalms 33:8), as well as, Ye that fear the LORD, trust in the LORD: he is their help and their shield (Psalms 115:11). The scriptures elsewhere instruct us, Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him (Psalms 33:8). Without considering God and His will, human wisdom and evil are incompatible - we are commanded, Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7).

In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul wrote, Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear [Greek, phobos, to be put in fear of, to be alarmed, be frightened, to consider a terror] of God (2 Corinthians 7:1). With puzzlement, John questioned, Who shall not fear [Greek, phobeo, to be frightened of, to be alarmed by, be in awe of, or to treat with reverence] thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest (Revelation 15:4).

PLEASE THE LORD: If we seek God for who He is, and not to have Him meet our needs, we should also strive to please the Lord. The apostle wrote,Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing [Greek, arestos, to be agreeable, or to fit into] in his sight (1 John 3:21-22).In pointing out the need to please God, the apostle Paul wrote the church in Ephesus, For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:8-11). Similarly, Paul wrote the Corinthian church, Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Paul also wrote the Thessalonian believers concerning the need to please God: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing [Greek, aresko, to be agreeable with] men, but God, which trieth our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4). Paul referred to those Jews who had displeased God the Father by killing Christ, killing their own prophets, and persecuting Paul and his fellow apostles. Paul wrote these words to the church in Thessalonica: For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men (1 Thessalonians 2:14-15). With a more supportive, loving and encouraging tone, Paul finally exhorted the believers in Thessalonica, Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please [Greek, aresko, to be agreeable with, consistent with God's will] God, so ye would abound more and more. For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication (1 Thessalonians 4:1-3).

SERVE THE LORD: There are many more attitudes that we should have in our relationship with our heavenly Father and His Son, but for the sake of brevity, let us mention just one more. If we seek God for who He is, we should be willing and eager to obediently serve Him. Jesus chastened Satan about the requirement of serving Him when He said, Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve [Greek, latreuo, a hired menial, to minister to God, or to render religious homage to] (Matthew 4:10).

Zacharias prophesied the believer's calling to service: Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him [the Lord God of Israel] without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life (Luke 1:69-75). Paul instructed the church in Rome, we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of [the Holy]spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter [of the Jewish law] (Romans 7:6).

Likewise, Paul told the Thessalonian believers,For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost: So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Finally, the apostle Paul, the possible author of the book of Hebrews concludes,Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Hebrews 12:28).

At his inauguration speech in Washington, D. C. on January 20, 1961, newly elected American president John F. Kennedy spoke words of wisdom involving the need for each person to serve the nation. He said, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country. Unfortunately, many in America have ignored Kennedy's words, and have expected the American government to serve them and meet their needs and wants. They have focused only on what their government can do for them. Similarly, in reference to serving God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, our heavenly Father, in essence, is asking the believer in Christ to ask not what God can do for you, but ask what you can do for God. God the Father desires our serving Him; but, again, unfortunately many ignore this call.

I AM THE BREAD OF LIFE: HE THAT COMETH TO ME SHALL NEVER HUNGER;

AND HE THAT BELIEVETH ON ME SHALL NEVER THIRST

After Jesus told the multitudes around Him, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled, He added, Labour [Greek, ergazomai, to toil at a task or occupation, be engaged in or with, commit to, or minister about] not for the meat [Greek, brosis, eating literally or figuratively, or nourishment and strength which brings physical and temporal life] which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me [and the miracles I have done], and believe not [that I am the Christ] (John 6:26-36). In these modern times, as at the time of the first advent of Christ, many have seen the miracles that Christ has performed – yet they have not believed. God wants we human beings to labor not for the nourishment that is worldly and perishes, but for the nourishment that endures unto eternal life. The works Christ wanted those around Him to perform was to believe on him [Christ] whom He [God the Father] hath sent into the world. Jesus wanted those around Him to come to Him and believe on Him that He was and is the Christ and Son of God. Simply put, Jesus wanted those around Him to seek Him and love Him for who He is and not for what He could do for them.

Clearly, those around Jesus did not yet see Jesus for who He was, despite the signs He performed. When we seek God primarily for what He can do for us, it is because we are self-centric and narcissistic, and not God-centric. We are putting ourselves and our own desires and needs before Christ and God the Father. The multitudes sought Christ not because they wanted an intimate, personal, loving relationship with God. As Jesus explained, they sought Him because He helped them. He solved their problems, met their needs, and fed and satisfied them to the full, but not because He was Savior, Redeemer, Lord, Creator, only begotten Son of God, Holy One of Israel, King of Kings, Almighty, King of the Jews, Master, Hight Priest, Prophet, Immanuel, Mediator, Judge, Lamb of God, Good Shepherd, Word of God, Messiah, True Vine, Bridegroom, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Son of Man, King of Israel, Son of God, Christ, and God.

The word of faith and charismatic movements in America and elsewhere are prime examples of those who seek Jesus not for who He is, but for what He can do for them. Many in this movement are sick, and need health, are lacking in money, and seeking wealth, and consider themselves to be unsuccessful in life, and are seeking success and prosperity. They are not seeking Christ only as Lord and Savior, and King. They are seeking Him because of their greed and lusts to have their needs or wants met. If you want to know the heart of any Christian, find our what church assembly they attend. They will attend the church and denomination that reflect their current and true priorities. When so called believers in Christ attend and support health, wealth, and prosperity churches, programs, pastors, teachers, and ministers, it is because they are seeking worldly things – and not Christ Himself. As Christ taught, the tree is known by its fruit: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things (Matthew 12:33-35). The truth is that those who receive success, power, wealth, and prosperity are the false shepherds, pastors and teachers, not the sheep.

Paul prioritizes what, or more accurately, who, we should seek first. Paul wrote the believers in Colossae, If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God (Colossians 3:1-3). Paul also teaches us that we should seek God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son, not because they are seen and temporal, but because they are unseen, eternal, and glorious. Paul instructed the Corinthian church, all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:15-18).

Peter explained that we should seek Jesus because He is Christ, and is the only door to salvation and eternal life. As Peter taught, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ teaches, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life (Jude 1:21). The apostle Paul expressed his singular devotion to Christ when he told the believing church in Corinth, I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified (1 Corinthians 2:2). The apostle John also taught that the believer in Christ should seek the name of Jesus because He is the Christ, the Son of God, and the source of eternal life. As the apostle John reminds us, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God (1 John 5:13).Christ's finest instruction to unbelievers and believers alike could easily be, Seek Me, because ye saw the miracles [because they reveal and clarify who I AM]. AMEN.

THE CHRISTIAN HERALD

A Judeo-Christian Bible Study

"Hereby perceive we

the love of God,

because he laid down his life for us: and

we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But

whoso hath this

world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in

him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue;

but in deed

and in truth"

(1 John 3:16-18).

"But God commendeth his love toward us,

in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved

by his life"

(Romans 5:8-10).

"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name”

(Philippians 2:5-9).

“For when we were

yet without strength,

in due time Christ

died for the ungodly”

(Romans 5:6).

Pastors And

Teachers

"But Christ being

come an high priest

of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by

the blood of goats

and calves, but by

his own blood he entered in once into

the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us”

(Hebrews 9:11-12).