John 6:15

No sooner does Jesus perceive the mass movement to declare him king of Israel by force, he makes a quick exit and escapes again by himself to a local mountain. John 6:15 EFP

It is more than a bit easy to look back at those backwards and headstrong people with a critical and smug attitude.  I mean, how could they see in Jesus noting more than a road to escape economic bondage and national malaise?  Who could possibly mistake this humble, itinerant teacher for a purveyor of prosperity and abundance?  Yet, that is what they see in Jesus.  He is their ticket to abundance.  If he could multiply bread and fish, why couldn’t he duplicate drachmas and talents of gold?  If he could feed thousands with a mere two fish and five loaves of bread, imagine the benefit of having a steady stream of food for the insurrection against the hated Romans!

They are in for a big disappointment!  Jesus would not have anything to do with their temporal plans.  This world is not his home.  His battles are spiritual.  His destiny is the cross.  He calls for riches to be stored in heaven.  That is still his message today.  The path of the believer may bring abundance and power, but any prosperity and influence is only a means to an end, and not the focus.  All we are and all we have belongs to God—be it much or paltry.  We are blest in any situation and under any circumstance.  That is the inner strength of the believer. 

I am reminded the ministry to which God calls me is not defined by success in human terms of numbers, buildings, or influence.  Such opportunities cannot be the result of my controlling, manipulating, coercing, or even my persona.  I have to remember my model is and must always be Jesus, the humble servant that shunned human success and power in favor of the quiet yet powerful leading of the Holy Spirit.