Morningside Devotionals: Did Jesus Promote His Ministry?

We are so used to shooting ourselves in the foot that we've lost track of what appealing means. What appeals to someone who loves the Lord Jesus and is following Him, doesn't appeal to somebody who isn't like that- the world outside of Christ and church doesn't have a thing to do with spiritual matters. Christian's have forgotten this, while not listening to the voice of Jesus on the matter.

What do you think feeding the five thousand was really all about?
Yes, it was a declaration in action of being the Messiah, the "bread of life," practically nobody can contest that, but is that it? Of course not, look, lets get straight about something when it comes to miraculous events and how they are remembered - either Jesus (and Paul) meant it, or they didn't, either Jesus is good to His word on this one: "Jhn 5:20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel." -or He is not? My choice is to believe that when my ability to do the miracles Jesus claims He empowers me through the Holy Spirit to accomplish is limited, it isn't on His end, it's on mine! We have a little problem when it comes to being appealing - see if you can get your head around this one, BREAD and FISH were very appealing to the folks there that day...NOW...do you think they paid anymore attention to Jesus when this was done with them...note that...with them- than when they were just sitting there hungry? FAST FORWARD...Paul said he would become all things to all people in order that through such some would be saved? What do you suppose Paul meant to you in that regard- keep dismissing it and acting like you don't need to be appealing? Hmm...well...finally we have the half brother of Jesus, James, who really puts the gospel of counting on Jesus miracles into perspective when he says that the worst thing that we can do is tell someone who is a new convert to be "warm and be filled..."

James isn't pulling any punches and you better not either...the fifth great awakening is taking place everywhere but in the U.S. know why that is? Simple - we aren't appealing to folks anymore...they're tired of the "same ol' -same ol'" and until we open our heads and let our eyes see the emptiness of what we're doing...folks won't come around to see the Jesus you are promoting...because, it's not on Jesus...He gave us the Holy Spirit..it is...on us...lets change what we're failing at and start talking and telling and promoting and sharing the great savior of our lives, Jesus, can't we?