My good friend, Evangelist Danny Kioko, said something that resonated with me as we drove down to Indianapolis from O’Hare International Airport in Chicago where I picked him up after his long flight from Nairobi, Kenya. He said, “I know my God, and my God knows me – we know each other, so no problem.” The conviction to which he spoke, the finality in his voice, and his nonchalant sincerity gave the statement new meaning. In my life, I’ve found that while the gift brings you before kings, opens doors, inspires, heals, and blesses others, it ultimately does not satisfy. The gift may put you on a mountain one day, but it’s also very capable of bringing you to the valley the next day.

 

The Folly of the Gift

The Israelites had just witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime kind of gift. That 5,000 people could be fed with 5 loaves of bread and 3 fishes is mind-boggling. I bet that meal was delicious. It’s no wonder they looked for Jesus the next day. Jesus did not plaster the city walls with posters inviting them for a tent meeting. Instead, the people sought Him – chased Him even. They crossed a river, crossed city lines, just to get to Jesus. That would have been impressive if they sought to be with Jesus. But no, they sought Jesus solely for the gift, for the gratification of their bellies. What pitiable insolence.

 

Chase Jesus Instead

Chase the giver, not the gift. If you find Jesus, believe in Him, then you’ve also found the gift. Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving. He is – everything. Like that famous song says: “You can have all the world, but give me Jesus.” Jesus is sufficiently enough. With Jesus, you are a majority. In all your getting, get Jesus. For He alone can satisfy. He alone can quench your thirst for approbation. He alone is the living stream which never runs dry. In times when the gift attracts problems, you will find the giver to be of great comfort. I exhort you, chase Jesus instead.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. 1 John: 6:35