A Good Source of Nourishment

By Royce Frederick

A serving of nutritious food is a good source of vitamins and minerals to nourish the body. And serving God is a good source of joy and satisfaction to nourish the soul.

On one occasion, Jesus was tired from His travels, so He sat by a well and waited while His disciples went into Sychar to buy food. A woman came to draw water from the well, and Jesus used the opportunity to talk to her about God’s will (Jn. 4:3-26).

When the disciples came back, they offered Jesus some food. But He said, “I have food to eat of which you do not know” (4:32). They were puzzled, and wondered if someone had brought Him something to eat.

Then Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (4:34). In doing God’s will, Jesus found a joy and satisfaction which was far greater than anything which could ever come from food! You and I can experience that same feeling by doing the will of Christ.

But we need to be sure that it is truly the will of Christ we are following. Good food can become contaminated by foreign material. And a spiritual message can become contaminated by men’s teachings. Jesus quoted from Isaiah, saying, “...in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). He also told His disciples, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted” (Matt. 15:13). These are very strong statements. God will not accept us, or our worship, if we follow men’s teachings.

If we follow only what Christ has revealed in His written word — and obey it from our heart — then we know for sure that Christ and the Father are pleased! Knowing that we are doing God’s will brings a joy and satisfaction for the soul which cannot be matched by food or any earthly pleasure!