What Does God Require?

WHAT DOES GOD REQUIRE

Suggested Scripture Reading Micah 6: 6-8
Scripture Emphasis:
John 6:28 – Then they asked Jesus, “What must we do to
do the works God requires?” (1)

Viktor E. Frankl, the founder of the Viennese school of Psychiatry known as ‘Logotherapy,’ suggests that it is not at all’ belief’ in God that is most important. It is, instead, the portrayal of God in a person’s behaviour that makes God irresistible. Therefore, Frankl concludes: “If religion is to survive, it must be profoundly personal.” (2)

It is an exciting journey from mere belief to an authentic portrayal of God that is irresistible. It is something of this journey that I wish to share with you now. All I ask of you is the use of your imagination. Let it be the door through which the Spirit of God will lead you to a more authentic experience.

I am Ezra Ben Sirach.

In the New Testament lesson of today, I am one in the crowd. Most of those in Capernaum today experience the charismatic effect of Jesus’ presence. However, we believe in Jehovah God, which is our proud Jewish inheritance. However, there is no denying; there is something beautifully challenging about how this man Jesus, speaks of God. It is so different, considering that Jesus is himself a fellow Jew. It is as if God is right there beside Him. I believe God seems far away and distant in the best of times. I think I would do anything if my faith could impact others like he is impacting me!

I confess I am the one who steps out of the crowd and asks Jesus: “What must we do to do the works that God requires?” I felt compelled to do something. What follows is one of the most incredible happenings of my entire life. Today I move from being a respectable believer to becoming fully alive for the Glory of God. But I am getting ahead of myself in my story. All of this experience is so exciting that I can barely contain myself.

I remember, as a child receiving instruction on obeying the Law. I understood that to mean doing something to please God or not doing anything to displease Him. The Ten Commandments are the primary focus of everything I know about God. I always make a concerted effort to do good work. But then I wonder if what I do is ever sufficient. I fear that doubts began long ago to get the best of me. In the company of other worshippers, I keep saying that I do believe, but  Oh! I do so earnestly want to feel that God sometimes smiles at me

Today I meet the man Jesus! And God is right here. Jesus’ life is entirely effortless. He never produces a checklist to ensure that he strictly complies with some written Law consisting of things He had to do or not do to have a good relationship with God. Today it seems to me that He reaches into the crowd, lifts my heart, and holds it ever so tenderly in His hands. That is the moment when I find the courage to ask Him,” What must we do to do the work that God requires?” What follows is best understood as a glorious light that comes flooding my mind. I experience such tender compassion from Him. He addresses me as though I am the only one present with Him there. He doesn’t single me out in the crowd; He permits me to remain anonymous. Is it the tender compassion of Jesus that prevents John from identifying me in his Gospel? I doubt not that that day Jesus’ witness had many pondering what might be required of them to be like Him. I am glad to be a spokesman for the many!

“My brother ( He calls me His brother! I am so honoured),  it is not a matter of doing that is required, but rather it is all a question of ‘being.’ Be my faithful follower, then you will learn what to do. Live as habitually and as simply as possible on that level of your being where I dwell. For it is there ‘where Spirit with spirit meet, you will find God is closer than breathing, nearer than hands and feet! ‘”. (3)

“I’ve found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him.
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which nought can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.” (4)

A Prayer To Follow This Meditation

Saviour, speak the word only but not for the benefit of our physical ears. Instead, fine-tuning the sensitivity of our Spirit’s hearing will command lasting allegiance to You.
As long as our spirits are disengaged, the Good News is lost in the world’s too-familiar hum. “Where the Spirit rests unknown, fatal is
 the letter “.
Awake us to the beginning of a new day in Your Presence,
O, Christ. Then shall we come to know God even as He knows us, and He will show us the gifts bestowed upon us to complete our tasks, like You did, for the Glory of our Father. Amen

Ascription Of Glory
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present without blemish before the presence of His glory with rejoicing, to the only God, our Saviour through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power now and forever.” Amen. Jude 24.

1. The Scripture quotes are from The NIV Translation
2. Viktor E. Frankl . In “The Unconscious God.” p.15f
3. Alfred Tennyson. In “Higher Pantheism”
4. James G Small. in “I’ve Found A Friend, O Such A  Friend.”