Devotional: Live by the Spirit and the Word

John 6 ‘“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life’” (John 6:63, NASB). Jesus feeds 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fishes (v. 9). The people follow Him because they see Him as a king that will meet their physical needs (v. 15). Jesus wants them to look beyond the life that bread sustains. This life is temporary and will come to an end. Instead, they are to look for bread from heaven that gives eternal life (v. 27). Eternal life is both quality of life and duration of life. In order to have eternal life one must eat His flesh and drink His blood. This means that we must accept His body that was broken and His blood that He shed on the cross. The flesh represents the Word of God, and the blood represents the Spirit of God (v. 51). When Jesus is crucified He gives both body and blood. In the same manner we live by both the Word and the Spirit. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the bible. More than thirty times the psalmist declares that the word is vital for life with God. Jesus says that the words that he speaks are spirit. Jesus does not use words that come from human wisdom. Rather, His words reveal to us the truth of God. Only His words and His spirit can give us eternal life. Prayer: Jesus, we thank you for giving your life for our eternal salvation. You are our Savior and our Lord. We desire to live by your word and your spirit. Amen.