Project 119: Heaven and Earth Sing | John 6:22-59
| Project 119
Reading for Monday, December 14: John 6:22-59
King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heavenly food.
-"Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence"
Most of us operate out of self-interest. We see everything from the standpoint of how it benefits us. Even a season such as Christmas, which is supposed to be about doing something for others, suddenly becomes turned into an obsession with getting what we want. While that perspective might serve us well in the short run, it will fail us miserably when it comes to eternity.
The hymn “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” quiets our demanding spirits by inviting us to reflect upon the example of Jesus, who came down from heaven to offer His life on the cross for us and our salvation. In many ways we might say that Jesus was born to die. In the providence of God, Jesus came into this world to sacrifice His life so that we might know eternal life. If that thought doesn’t stop you in your self-centered tracks, then I don’t know what will.
This passage from John’s gospel describes the response of Jesus’ own people to His gracious offer. Unfortunately, when they heard Him speak of the true bread of heaven, they could only think of an inexhaustible supply of one of life’s necessary staples However, Jesus was speaking about a much more profound essential that would satisfy them forever—His broken body and His shed blood that would make possible the gift they could only receive and never earn, which was their salvation.
On Christmas Eve, we’ll share together in a time of remembering that greatest of gifts. As the bread and cup are offered that night, take the time to reflect on all they mean. Be silent over the remarkable truths they represent. Most of all, receive them as tokens of God’s mercy and grace, as you feed on that bread and are filled with Christ’s abundant life, both now and forevermore.