Life Spark: What energized Jesus? John 4:29-34
My stimulant of choice is Mountain Dew. When I’m driving for a long stretch and I begin to get groggy, I pull into a gas station or convenience store and buy some Diet Mountain Dew. If I’m real tired, I’ll get some strong coffee too. I know it’s not healthy, but I feel like it might have saved my life a time or two.
When I’m bird hunting, chasing chukars all day in some remote area of eastern Oregon, I throw a few Power Bars in my vest in the morning. Come mid-day, a Power Bar will give me a whole new burst of energy so I can climb more hills.
When the disciples came back from town and offered Jesus a burger basket, he turned them down. He said that doing the Father’s will was His main source of energy. “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” John 4:34, NIV He wasn’t putting down food, He was just saying that His best energizer was living to please the Father and share in His life-saving activity.
Have you ever fasted? Our church just finished a seven day fast. Fasting makes you realize how large a part of your life food is. The spiritual part of us needs food just as much as the physical part of us. The best energy drink or energy bar for spiritual life is God’s word, God’s will and God’s work.
The woman that Jesus talked with at the well was energized too. She jogged into town and told a bunch of people about a special guy at the well who could read minds and see into hearts. Her words prodded them to come and check out this gentleman. Some of them may have been energized by curiosity. Others were probably motivated by spiritual hunger.
What energizes you? Is there any food or drink that seems to refill your tank and recharge your battery physically? Is there a certain task or enterprise that invigorates you? My wife loves to decorate. I’m recharged while hunting or fishing. How about spiritually? Do you love to sing songs about God and to God? Do you munch on God’s word? Do you love to cooperate with the Holy Spirit, like Jesus did here, and help people discover new life in God?
I’m so thankful that the One I try to pattern my life after set the example He did at the well in Samaria. Knowing that the Father didn’t want this woman to perish, He made God’s will His meal and shared the life and love of God with her. It’s better than Mountain Dew or hot coffee. It’s the ‘I want what God wants’ Power Bar.
A Life Action: Fast a meal this week. At mealtime, read John 4 then ask the Lord to help you follow His example and share the good news like He did.