When I was growing up, Wendy’s restaurant had a commercial that was so popular that it would have gone viral to use today’s term. The commercial featured 3 elderly women looking at a bun that was substantially bigger than the burger patty that was on it. As the commentator explained the difference between Wendy’s generous beef portion versus their competitors’ lacking portion, one of the women continually yells, “Where’s the beef?”. This catchphrase became a part of popular culture. For years, we would say this phrase and everyone was in on the joke. However, in our Christian walk, ‘Where is the meat?’ is no laughing matter.
Jesus spoke of meat, but of course, in a more profound and relevant way. In John 4:34, Jesus saith unto them [His disciples], My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work (KJV-[added for clarification]). Jesus was very clear that His sustenance, motivation, and what delighted Him was doing and finishing the will of the Father. Therefore, I ask you, when it comes to your life, Where is the meat?
This is a question that I often have to ask myself. What is motivating and driving me? What is sustaining me? Where is the meat? Since Jesus is one person of the Triune Godhead, He is in the most intimate relationship with the Father. Jesus never had to question the Father’s will for Him. Jesus knew what the Father desired and Jesus knew the end of the plan before the beginning of it.
Unlike Jesus, I think this is where many of us get lost. We are uncertain of the Father’s plan for our lives. We come to a crossroad of a decision and there is nothing to sustain us or push us forward because we do not know the Father’s will. We make the “best” decision and move forward praying that God will bless it. Where’s the meat in that process? Job said, I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food (Job 23:12).
It is knowing the will of the Father that gives us the strength to endure when we are faced with the difficult choice to continue or turn away from His Word. If we never know God’s commandment for a specific situation, we will always question “our” decision. In John 6:38-40, Jesus reveals the Father’s ultimate will for Him coming to earth.
For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Therefore, when Jesus was burdened with the thoughts of His impending death as the sacrifice for the sins of the world, and He prayed earnestly for another way, He was able to sustain in His purpose because He knew the Father’s will. He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39).
I want to encourage you (and myself) that we do not move forward without knowing the will of God for our lives. Then, let us be determined to not only do His will, but to also receive the joy that comes in finishing it…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God…( Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4). When it comes to your life, do you know where is the meat?
For more on obedience, read Are You Clingy?
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Copyright 2021 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture noted as KJV is taken from the King James Version. Public domain.
