Why do people refuse to believe and follow God?

On Sunday, September 14, I participated in a special worship service. The chosen Gospel lesson was from John 6. Earlier in this chapter Jesus had fed 5000 men, and the women and children with them, using only 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish. Amazing! Then, as Jesus distanced himself from them, He walked on water to join his disciples on the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Yet, when those pursuing Jesus finally caught up with Him, a somewhat surprising conversation took place.

"28 Then they said to him,

"What must we do, to be doing the works of God?" 29 Jesus answered them,

"This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent." 30 So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?" (John 6:28-30) Do you follow? Jesus had just performed an amazing miracle, an almost unbelievable sign, and the people of the day don't see it. They ask for another sign. Wasn't feeding 5000 enough? Why do people refuse to believe in Jesus and follow God?

We should not be surprised by the lack of faith from the people of Jesus' day. In Numbers 21 we learn about the people of Israel in the wilderness.

The Lord had miraculously rescued the nation from slavery in Egypt. He provided manna and quail daily for food. Yet, they seemed blind to what God was doing. In Numbers 21:5 we are told, "And the people spoke against God and against Moses, 'Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.'" The Lord provided food and drink for over 1 million people in the wilderness for 40 years. Yet, in selfish arrogance the people ignored God's provision and denied His claim on their lives.

Actually, such lack of faith is unfortunately a pattern which we find throughout Scripture. Look at Isaiah, or Jeremiah, or Ezekiel. Consider the struggles of the disciples who were constantly with Jesus, yet so often missed what He taught. God's people begged for our Lord to send the Messiah.

The Heavenly Father did send His Son. Yet the people missed the goodness of God. They did not believe in Jesus, nor did they follow His loving guidance.

Why do people refuse to believe and follow God? Perhaps more importantly, how often do we receive what we ask for from our Lord, and yet miss the gift? I have often heard people state, "I just wish God would show me what to do." Guess what? Our Lord does give guidance in Jesus.

How often does God call us to healthy and righteous behavior and we just ignore his loving call?

So, listen to Jesus. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus teaches, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44) Jesus does give direction. Yet today even Christians have trouble communicating with those with whom they disagree. We can and do have trouble seeing the gift of God.

And we have trouble following Jesus' direction.

Also, in The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches, "27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.' 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.'" (Matt. 5:27-29) God's children seek His guidance. But we can and do miss what Jesus says. How much of our entertainment encourages lust, never mind acts of sexual impurity?

How about our speech? Jesus also teaches in the sermon on the Mount, 33

"Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, "You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'

34 But I say to you, . . . 37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil." (Matthew 5:33-34, 37) And listen to Jesus in Matthew 18. "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15) How often do we miss speaking the truth? How often do we miss speaking with kindness and understanding to others, even those who hurt us?

I could go on and on. But, while I am surprised at how often the people in scripture miss the blessings of God, and refuse to follow Him, I have to confess the same failure myself. I am personally convicted. I too miss the gifts of God. I also ignore His loving guidance. I am thankful that Jesus forgives. That is what I really need. I need a Savior who forgives and saves. I DO look for guidance from my Lord, and my Heavenly Father sends a Savior from sin. Think what that means!

I pray that Jesus breaks through my hard head and my selfish and rebellious spirit so that I hear His message and follow His guidance. When I know the gift of the grace of God in Jesus, I do want to listen and serve.