4-21-2008


	LINKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

THE WORK OF GOD

"Then they asked Him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?'" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." (John 6: 28, 29, NIV)

One of my fondest memories as a kid had nothing to do with golf.

It happened every day Mom baked bread. Her rolls were twice the size you see in restaurants, more like a loaf of bread the size of your hand. White and browned perfectly. The fragrance drew my sister and two brothers from our upstairs rooms into the kitchen like hunting dogs scenting their prey. To swipe butter on the soft, broken bread, watch it melt, and finally taste was an experience I’ll never forget.

Just before Jesus spoke the words in today's passage, He had fed more than 10,000 people with heavenly bread. But it hadn't been enough. They wanted more. I understand. Mom's bread was this heavenly. When they found him on the other side of the lake, Jesus said, "You are looking for me…because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for the food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you…"

That is when they asked Him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"

Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent." Note, they ask in the plural. But Jesus answers in the singular. These well-fed people wanted to know what God required of them and Jesus said but one thing: BELIEVE ME.

This is the singular work of God.

Last week, a young man won one of golf's greatest championships. At age five, he became an admirer of a man who had won that championship three times, Gary Player. By Saturday evening, Trevor Immelman, now 28, had positioned himself in a place to win the Masters himself. Before he teed off in the most important round of his life, Gary Player called and left a voice mail on his cell phone.

"I've always dreamed of winning majors," Immelman told reporters later, "and deep down I always thought I was good enough…but at times you doubt yourself…and you're just like, man, maybe I'm not as good, or not good enough."

His mentor, who Immelman said was "another type of father for me," called to smash that doubt: "He told me to just go out there and be strong through adversity," Immelman said, "because adversity would come today, there would be bad breaks, and I just had to deal with it."

And Gary Player had one last word, "I know you will win."

I had the privilege of talking with Gary about his first Masters win a number of years ago. He told me there was verse of Scripture, which guided him throughout that week, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Gary believed God and that faith and stubborn determination were woven together to produce his first green jacket. Gary also believed Trevor could win. Trevor wasn't that sure. Though I did not hear Gary's voice mail, but I can picture him saying, "Laddie, I know you will win." And those who know Gary will say he isn't the kind of person who tells people just what they want to hear. He believed Trevor would win.

This is the work of God: Believing in Jesus. Taking Him at His Word. And, sometimes we have to do this for a doubting friend.

This is the work that demolishes the Mt Everests of our lives.

"This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith." (1 John 5:4b)

Jim Hiskey

April 21, 2008

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