Too Easily Satisfied

It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
Text: John 6:14-21

If you’re a disciple of Jesus, you will not find durable happiness and lasting satisfaction in anything that is not King Jesus-centered.

Paul Tripp writes, "Real, sturdy, lasting peace, peace that doesn’t rise and fall with circumstances, isn’t to be found in picking apart your life until you have understood all of the components. You will never understand it all because God, for your good and his glory, keeps some of it shrouded in mystery. So peace is found only in trust, trust of the One who is in careful control of all the things that tend to rob you of your peace."

We become too easily satisfied when following Jesus. But God isn't satisfied. God will settle for nothing less than His entire creation being completely overwhelmed in worship of Jesus.

Even God's physical creation sings out in worship: "Let the heavens be glad, and the earth rejoice! Let the sea and everything in it shout his praise! Let the fields and their crops burst out with joy! Let the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he is coming!" (Psalm 96:11-13).  Scripture makes it clear that everyone will one day worship Jesus: "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11). Paul also writes in Philippians, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). God is working for His glory! He is working in His children to cultivate a heart of worship, full of love and devotion for Jesus. And this is for our good, even when it doesn't feel that way.

In our text, it was night and the disciples were looking for Jesus. He had not yet come to them (17). Jesus did this intentionally. He had a miracle just for them, to increase their faith in Him. Confused and exhausted, they rowed their boat on the stormy sea of Galilee. What they saw next would never be forgotten-Jesus walking on the water toward them. Matthew records their response: "Then those who were in the boat came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God'" (Matthew 14:33).

Jesus allows us to struggle. He even allows us to feel alone and abandoned at times. But we aren't! Jesus is working, getting our attention, to drive us to our knees in worship! The twelve disciples needed greater faith and a more robust understanding of Jesus as the King who would wear a crown of thornes. So do we! We are disciples. We are followers. Jesus is the leader. He will keep working and working through whatever means necessary so we will follow closely behind Him.

This is a great resource to help in our understanding of true worship!