What Are You Looking For?

       When Jesus was introduced to the world through baptism, John the Baptist went further to tell his followers: “This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me’…When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look! The Lamb of God’” (John 1:30, 36)! Immediately two of John’s followers heard this, they started following Jesus. This account is heart stirring. So many today have heard of the wonderful accounts of Jesus Christ and how He is able to deliver them from any and every problem they could have; for this reason so many are following Him. If you are a Bible Student, you would realize that following Jesus Christ is not what makes you a true ‘follower’. As humans, there are basic needs that tend to influence our decisions and way of thinking. This was not different then. When Jesus saw the two men following Him, one would have thought that He would be ecstatic! After all He now has two followers. But on the contrary, when He noticed them, He turned and asked: “…What are you looking for? [And what is it you wish?]…” (John 1:38b, AMP). 

       So many are following and they act in their congregations as if without them the work of God will not move forward. So many have become mini gods in their congregation because of what they control: money, influence and skills. Friend, if you are such, Heaven is asking ‘what are you looking for and what is your wish’? This question, we must all answer to reveal what our intention truly is! When the multitude in John 6 asked Him where He had been, as they had been searching for Him. This question may sound like they really believed all He had taught and showed them. But the truth is they were driven by their needs and not a desire to know more of Him. So he told them: “I assure you: You are looking for Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (John 6: 26). Friend, you are in that Church, Fellowship or Ministry, you never missed a meeting. In fact you know so much about Scriptures, men of God and the likes. You travel the length and breadth of the world to attend one crusade or the other. Heaven is asking “What are you looking for?” 

       Throughout the Ministry of Jesus, so many men and women followed Him, not because of what they had heard or seen but what they had eaten or received and they wanted more. The likes of Judas, Demas, Hymenaeus, Philetus and so many others followed, but their stomachs revealed whom they were actually following: “…Their god is their stomach; their glory is in their shame. They are focused on earthly things” (Philippians 3:19b). Beloved, take time out and ponder the question, ‘why am I following’, in your heart, so as not to be disappointed at the end! Peter understood the question as well and said: “Lord who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68).  This realization must hit our hearts as well! Jesus Christ IS coming and nothing in science or metaphysics will stop Him! 

       Beloved, settle in your mind that ALL you NEED will be met by the LORD. But these needs must not be put before the joy of knowing and following Him. If you follow because of your desires; they will get met, then what? “Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will do away with both of them” (1Corinthians 6:13a) and “What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life” (Matthew 16:26)? Please, will you respond like the first two that were asked: “…They said to Him, Rabbi (which means ‘Teacher’), where are You staying” (John 1: 38c)? May the Lord grant us the grace to search our hearts and to respond to Him accordingly, in Jesus Christ name. God bless you!