Millpond Ink Musing – Provisions; Not the Person

“In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:” Mark 8:1,2

I was reminded tonight that some in the Scriptures followed Jesus for the loaves of bread but when offered the bread of life, they turned aside. Despite His generosity, which was manifest in His compassion, not all fed that day in the wilderness were filled. Others sought healing throughout our Lord’s ministry. They were graciously healed and then went their way. They weren’t interested in Him healing the most grievous of wounds: that of their sin against their Creator. No, there were many who sought the provisions; not the person of Christ. Others still found Him to be a good employer; and entered the rank of the clergy, such as Judas, who was ironically enough known as the keeper of the purse. They sought His employment because their earthly wages were fair. They received personal benefits in prideful satisfactions, and as Eli’s sons, readily took the best portions of Christ’s sacrifice as their own fare. Thinking themselves beloved like David, they considered the communion table theirs for throwing a self-glorious and opulent religious party. Thinking their doctrines and teachings improved on God’s own and glorious Word, they made shipwreck of their own souls and of those they served. These men, as the pigs they were, were mere gluttons and liars who led their flocks down a slope similar to that of the swine of the Gadarenes (Luke 8). Yes, they violently ran down and over a steep cliff.

Jesus said many are called but few are chosen. We shouldn’t be surprised to see many today flocking from one place to another, seeking bread and wine; living only for the present hour. However, many will be ashamed and cry out when they hear Christ say to them that they received their provisions and portions while on earth. They never ate His flesh or drank His blood. That hard saying by Jesus turned many away, and it will again in heaven. Woe to those who hear those words, “I never knew you,” in the court of God, whose omniscience is prosecutor and our conscience is second witness.