A Day-by-day devotional

January 1, 2023

What´s your smorgasbord?

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 1-3

Scripture of the Day: John 6: 22-40

When referring to a wide range of something being offered, the word smorgasbord is used. Originating from a Swedish traditional buffet style meal comprising of hot and cold dishes, smorgasbord became internationally known and the word has since been adopted into use also outside of the culinary world.

When dining out at an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant, we get to sample many kinds of foods. If you go to a Chinese one, you could expect a huge selection of seafoods, meats and vegetables for grilling, deep-fried foods, noodles, and various other dishes. If you seize the opportunity and try even just a tad bit of everything, you certainly will not go home bearing a light stomach.

After Jesus fed 5000 people in Bethsaida, near the Sea of Galilee, the same crowd came looking for Him, all the way to Capernaum. However, Jesus knew exactly why they were searching for Him. It was not because they witnessed a miracle, but because their stomachs had been filled. Therefore, He said to them, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him” (John 6:27). Continuing, He told them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst” (John 6:35).

Despite the importance of our physical needs, we should not lose sight of caring for our spiritual nourishment. In the smorgasbord of activities that fill up our schedule, we should make coming to the Lord in prayer, and getting sustenance from reading the Scriptures a priority.

When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, He declared to Satan, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4, Luke 4:4, Deuteronomy 8:3). It has become the sword with which He fought the enemy!

It is His Word that sustains us. We should eat of it. We should make it our joy and heart´s delight.

“When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, Lord God Almighty” (Jeremiah 15:16).

Reflection: How was your daily reading and meditation of the Scriptures been in the past year? What improvements do you plan to include in your smorgasbord of activities in order to prioritize your time with the Lord this new year?

Prayer: Dear God, thank you that your Word is available for me to read, ponder and meditate on. With the help of your Holy Spirit, bring me closer to your Son Jesus Christ, as I strive knowing you more, by seeking Him daily through the Scriptures. Your Word sustains me. Amen.