Hello, everyone. Welcome to another episode of "A Word from the Vine." My name is Pastor Loren Christensen, and today we’re focusing on a critical aspect of our faith: the call to believe in Jesus.
Let’s read together from John 6:28-29:
"Then they said to him, 'What must we do, to be doing the works of God?' Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.'"
In this passage, the crowd asks Jesus a straightforward question: "What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" They were seeking guidance on how to live in a way that pleases God, perhaps expecting a list of religious duties or righteous acts. However, Jesus' response redirects their focus from actions to faith: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."
Jesus emphasizes that the primary "work" God desires from us is to believe in Him. This belief is not just intellectual assent but a deep, abiding trust in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. This call to believe is foundational for our relationship with God and is the starting point for all spiritual growth and eternal life.
To understand this call to believe, let’s draw a parallel with something familiar to us: the trust placed in the agricultural process. Many of you listening to me are farmers. As farmers, you prepare the soil, plant the seeds, tend to the crops, and trust that with time, care, and the right conditions, you will reap a harvest. This process requires faith and patience, as you rely on factors beyond your control, like the weather and the fertility of the soil.
In a similar way, Jesus calls us to place our trust in Him. Just as you trust in the process and the seasons to yield a bountiful harvest, we are called to trust in Jesus for our spiritual nourishment and growth. This trust involves surrendering our own efforts to earn God’s favor and instead relying on the finished work of Christ on the cross. By believing in Jesus, we enter into a relationship with Him that brings true and lasting transformation.
Believing in Jesus is not about performing a list of tasks or following a set of rules. It’s about entering into a relationship of trust and dependence on Him. This belief is the foundation of our faith and the key to experiencing the fullness of life that God offers. When we place our trust in Jesus, we align ourselves with God's will and open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit, who cultivates spiritual growth and maturity within us.
As we reflect on Jesus' call to believe, let’s consider how we can deepen our trust in Him. Just as we rely on the cycles of nature for our harvest, let’s rely on Jesus for our spiritual sustenance and growth. By believing in Him, we fulfill the primary "work" that God desires and set the stage for a fruitful and abundant spiritual life.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, and for the call to believe in Him. Help us to place our trust fully in Jesus and to rely on Him for our spiritual nourishment and growth. May our faith in Him grow stronger each day, leading us to experience the fullness of life that You offer. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Thank you for joining me on "A Word from the Vine." May God bless you as you place your trust in Jesus and experience the abundant life He promises.
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