Today’s Reading: John 5:15-18
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“‘My Father is working until now, and I am working’…This is why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him…he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.”
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The religious leaders were terribly upset with Jesus for healing someone on the Sabbath. But he told them that his Father is always working for goodness and health—no matter what the day of the week may be. Then he told them that he was doing this same good work that his Father was always doing—no matter what the day of the week.
Their anger raged against him. They knew what he was claiming. And he meant to claim it.
The Father and his Son are mysteriously one. No human can understand it. They have forever coexisted in perfect, sovereign love and unity.
Do you see here Jesus’ extraordinary claim to deity? Don’t miss it. His Father in heaven created the Sabbath, and he is Lord over the Sabbath—making him and the Father one.
Jesus is exactly like his Father in all attributes. He came to earth to reflect his Father’s love to you so you could trust him. He wants you to know his close, bountiful, and sovereign love.
If he had been a mere man, he would have been blaspheming the Father with his words. But he was not. It’s the truth. He and the Father are one.
If you have invited Jesus to live in your life, you are one with him as well. Which means you are also one with the Father. That means you have a loving Daddy in heaven eternally connected to your heart. That means God, the Lord of love, is connected to you as well.
Jesus rules over all that is happening to you—today and forever. Nothing that comes to you catches him by surprise. He is the Lord and never changes. He oversees all. And he uses it for your good and his glory.
Please believe today that the Father and the Son dearly love you. They consider you a priceless possession, a valuable treasure.
Trust their love for you today. No matter what you may be experiencing, know that all is working together for good. Don’t stop believing for the good to come eventually. It will come. Don’t give up. Continue to trust. Cling to faith. Hold fast to Jesus. He is caring for you—even on the Sabbath.
And remember: Your situation is not over until it’s good.
That’s because your Father in heaven is good.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]