John 6:68-69, New International Version

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’”

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:35, NIV) What is Jesus talking about in this passage? It’s not our physical needs, as some may believe, but our spiritual needs. Peter boldly declares in John 6:68-69 (NIV), “…Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

How else could the disciples come to believe and know that Jesus was, and is, the Holy One of God? By spending time with Him. In the time they spent with Him, they came to understand the character and nature of God: humble, compassionate, loving, giving, forgiving, merciful, and just. God sent His only Son into the world not to condemn it, but through Him, the world might be saved. His love for humanity was, and is, perfect. It ran red on the cross, defeated death, and rose again on the third day in victory. His victory, for those of us who believe, is our victory!

But do we truly believe? The Bible says without faith, works are dead. Do we truly take in the Bread of life? Do we remember what He has done for us? Do we truly obey His commands? The greatest commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Jesus said in John 14:15 (NIV), “If you love me, keep my commands.”

If we take the time to read through the gospels, we can find many of His commands through His word and His actions: repent from your sins and turn to God, forgive from your heart, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, honor your father and mother, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself and more.

I challenge each of us to, daily, be in His word with Him. Allow God to speak to you.  Seek Him and to have a deeper relationship with Him so that He may know you and you may know Him.

Jesus says in Matthew 7:21-23 (NIV), “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”

Are you doing the will of the Father? Are you seeking a relationship with Him?  Many say it is just religion, but I am here to tell you, God is love. He loves you and wants a relationship with you. He is constantly pursuing you if you would give Him even half a chance. Pursue Him back and watch how He will transform your life!