Abiding in the Word and Walking in the Work

By Gary Adyniec

“In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, ‘Rabbi, eat.’ But He said to them, ‘I have food to eat of which you do not know.’ Therefore the disciples said to one another, ‘Has anyone brought Him anything to eat?’ Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, “There are still four months and then comes the harvest”? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: “One sows and another reaps.” I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors.’” John 4:31–38 (NKJV)

When someone mentions food, especially a food you like, especially when you’re hungry . . . what’s the first thing that happens to you? For most of us, we immediately start thinking about food, perhaps eating a juicy burger or cheesy pizza or some fresh sushi! Do you know what most of us don’t think of? The food Jesus was talking about.  But we should! 

So, what food is Jesus talking about here as we continue our examination of John 4 and Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman? The Word of God. When I read verses 31–34, two other passages immediately come to mind that can help bring some clarity to what Jesus was saying and what we should be practicing. 

The first one is Deuteronomy 8:3 (NJKV), a verse which Jesus quoted to Satan while being tempted. It says, “Man shall not live by bread alone; but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” The second verse is James 1:22 (NKJV), which says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” His food, and our food, is to consume the Word of God and then to do the work of God. 

Now, what is the work? It’s the Great Commission—to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16–20)! However, that doesn’t mean we have to go overseas. For you right here and now, it’s your city, your workplace, your neighborhood, even your own home!

You see, we didn’t receive salvation to keep it to ourselves like some hidden secret we discovered. It’s a gift given from the Father and it’s to be shared everywhere we go, which is why our walk must be real and tangible. 

So, my questions for all of us is simple: Are we that excited about the Word and work of God? Do we have a deep hunger in our souls to not only enjoy His Word like a satisfying meal, but also to abide in it and put it into practice? 

Do we, as the Psalmist said, “Delight to do Your will, O my God,” and is His Word within our hearts? I pray that as we walk daily through life, we would eagerly do the works that are in keeping with the Word, that point people to the saving work of Jesus! 

Pause: Ask yourself, “Is God’s Word like food for me? Do I delight to do His will?”

Practice: Set aside some uninterrupted time every day and spend it in the Word and prayer. Try starting with 15 minutes. I suggest morning before the day starts.

Pray: Holy Father, help me to have a desire for Your Word like food that I crave. Help me to know and do Your will, especially in witnessing to others. Give me the boldness to open my mouth and let You speak through me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.