THE GOOD NEWS COMES CLOSER

 

Exodus 16:2-6,9-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35

Introduction

Beloved in Christ Jesus, today we are to delve into a theme that is both timeless and essential for our spiritual growth: "Spiritual over the Material." Our scripture readings from Exodus 16:2-6,9-15; Ephesians 4:1-16; and John 6:24-35 would guide us in understanding the importance of prioritizing the spiritual over the material aspects of our lives. 

The term "spiritual" generally refers to aspects of life that pertain to the soul, the intangible, and the metaphysical. It encompasses beliefs, values, and practices that relate to a sense of connection with someone or something greater than oneself, often involving a relationship with the divine or the sacred. Spirituality can manifest in various ways including through religious faith, meditation, personal reflection, and ethical behaviour. It often involves seeking meaning, purpose, and inner peace and can be deeply personal and subjective. 

Conversely, the term "material" pertains to life's physical, tangible aspects. It includes anything that can be perceived by the senses and measured, such as objects, possessions, and physical needs. Material concerns involve matters related to the physical: economy, wealth, health, and comfort. The material world is often contrasted with the spiritual world, emphasizing the importance of physical well-being and practical considerations in daily life.

The Providence of God

In the book of Exodus, we find the Israelites grumbling against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. They longed for the material comforts of Egypt, forgetting the oppression they endured. 

"And the whole congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness, and the people of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt when we sat by the meat pots and ate bread to the full, for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”

(Exodus 16:2-3)

God, in His infinite mercy, provided manna from heaven, teaching them reliance on Him for their daily needs.

"When the people of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat."

(Exodus 16:15).

Precious one, God’s provision of manna was not just to satisfy physical hunger but to instill a deeper trust in His provision. It was a call to depend on God and recognize His daily sustenance as an act of grace. Jesus calls on us saying, “...do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself." (Matthew 6:34)

This exodus experience reminds us that our true sustenance comes from God, not merely from material possessions. "The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it." (Proverbs 10:22)

The grumbling of the Israelites was based on their craving for the material, physical need over the spiritual; God who was with them. The significance of God's provision is not in the temporal meal but in building and growing our faith in Him, the provider of all our needs.

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

In Ephesians 4, Paul urges the believers to walk worthy of their calling, emphasizing unity and maturity in the body of Christ. "I ... urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:1-3) The Christian call is spiritual, not materialistic. This is an emphasis that the spiritual must always supersede the material things. 

Paul speaks of spiritual gifts given to each one of us to build up the church.

 

"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Spiritual growth and unity are paramount in our Christian journey. The material world often divides us, but the spiritual gifts bring us together, fostering love and maturity. By focusing on our spiritual gifts and calling, we align ourselves with God’s purpose, transcending the material distractions of the world.

As we near the Presidential and Parliamentary elections this year in December, we are being called to humbly let the spiritual reign over the material to be "eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Ephesians 4:3)

Jesus, the Bread of Life

In the Gospel of John, after feeding the five thousand men, the people eagerly sought to meet Jesus again taking boats to Capernaum. Jesus addresses the crowd seeking Him for more material - bread, saying, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves." (John 6:26). 

Jesus redirects their focus, proclaiming Himself as the Bread of Life. He challenges them to seek the food that endures to eternal life. 

"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”

(John 6:27). This, He means, put Spirituality over materialism.

Jesus teaches us that He is our ultimate sustenance. Material provisions are temporary, but the spiritual nourishment we receive from Him is eternal. By believing in Him we receive the true bread from heaven that satisfies our deepest spiritual hunger.

Spirituality over the material must be well understood in a correct proportion since each one is of necessity to humanity.  In other words, we must not deny ourselves completely from the tangible, material, or physical substance in life. It is important to be both and find the true balance within which the Spiritual should always come before the material.

Beloved in Christ, permit me to say that, we have a wrong universal application: - "If it is this, then it cannot be that"; "If it is that, it cannot be this." Can the Christian be rich? Someone once said, "How can you be so rich? You are supposed to be a Christian." This shows our inadequate insight into the Spiritual and the material as far as Christianity is concerned. We need a balance between them to fulfill our mission and ministry on earth. 

So then, how do we draw the right line of balance?

1. Trust in God’s Provision: Just as the Israelites learned to trust in God’s daily provision of manna, we too must trust in God for our daily needs. "Give us this day our daily bread." This trust shifts our focus from the anxiety of material lack to the assurance of spiritual abundance in Christ.

When God favours you with it, be responsible for it. But never envy others for what they have. God will never make a mistake to deliver what is yours to your neigbour, be content. Never grumble but give thanks in praise to God for His provision.

2. Cultivate Spiritual Gifts: Embrace the spiritual gifts God has given you. Use them to build up the church, fostering unity and spiritual maturity. Remember that these gifts are for the edification of the body of Christ, not for personal gain.

We assume that ministering in the Spiritual gifts is sometimes time-wasting to attain material possessions. The truth is that God's provision for material or physical needs comes in handy when we operate under His grace and favour. Remember, God adds to us when we successfully manage what is in our hands. Service to the church and humanity is the key to opening great doors.

3. Seek Christ (the Bread of Life) Life:

Prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Spend time in prayer, scripture study, living a life of worship, feeding on the Bread of Life. Let your spiritual nourishment take precedence over material pursuits.

In every situation, put thought of Christ first being the Christ to your society. 

Let your words, actions, consultations, business deals, contracts, health, security, education, politics, religion, etc. give praise to the Almighty and Ever Living God. Amen!

Conclusion:

Dear friends, let us heed the call to prioritize the spiritual over the material. In a world that constantly pulls us towards materialism, may we find our true satisfaction in Christ, our Bread of Life. Trust in God’s provision, cultivate your spiritual gifts, and seek the eternal nourishment that only Jesus can provide. 

Let us pray...

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that reminds us of the importance of the spiritual over the material. Help us to trust in Your provision, to cultivate the spiritual gifts You have given us, and to seek Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. May we find our true sustenance in You and live lives that glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.