John 6:30 and 6:65 tells us the crowd waffled at approving of Jesus: "Why don't you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what's going on? When we see what's up, we'll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do". (and) "This is why I told you earlier that no one is capable of coming to me on his own. You get me only as a gift from the Father." (The Message)
"The people wanted proof that Jesus was God's Son before their commitment! Sound familiar? Yet, no commitment is possible without the Father's giving that person to Jesus. In other words, God turns that person over to Christ to be Christ's friend. It is God's joy to lead those chosen for Jesus to Jesus. It has nothing to do with Jesus' proving His God-ness. All those who turn to Christ, no matter how excellent the witness was, are brought by the strength and purpose of the Father. We humans are only the gas for the engine; it is God who owns and drives the car!
"Thank you, God, for this message, and for your gifts to Jesus--those people who love and choose to follow Him. Those people include me, blessed by your Holy Name in all the earth. May we--the gas for the engine--not be hard to get, but plentiful and affordable. We want to help bring others to you, Lord. In Christ's name. Amen." (End of journal)
And that prayer is still a good one for us to pray, for there is a great deal to be done in the world. I am 81 years old, and my life will soon be over on this earth. Many changes are sure to happen yet, for me and for the world, including you, dear friend. I have experienced the world without Christ and I have experienced the world with Christ, and I can say without reservation, the world is wonderful with Christ, his Spirit, and the Father's love.
Need I say more?
Jo INMN
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