Today’s Reading: John 6:14-15
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“When the people saw the sign he had done, they said, ‘This is indeed the Prophet who is come into the world.’ Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.”
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After Jesus miraculously fed the 10,000-plus people with five loaves and two fish, the crowd concluded he was the Prophet—fulfilling the prophecy of Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15). He perceived they would soon try to force him to be their king.
He withdrew to a private place in the mountain to be alone and pray. He wasn’t to be an earthly king. They failed to realize his true identity.
The most important question you can ever ask about him is this: Who is Jesus? Your answer will determine where you spend eternity.
Who is Jesus?
Yes, he is the Prophet about whom Moses prophesied. He spoke truths as a great prophet. Yes, he is a king. He rules over all as a great king does.
But he is so much more. He is the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords. He is God in human flesh, the perfect God/man, conceived in his earthly mother’s womb by the miraculous power of the Spirit. He lived perfectly in obedience to the righteous requirements of the Law—something no human can do. He died on the cross as the perfect substitute for your sin. His cross should have been your cross. He died in your place—suffering for a penalty that was yours.
Jesus was raised from the dead, thus proving his deity and confirming the forgiveness of your sins. By grace through faith, you can now receive his gift of eternal life. Just as he was raised from the dead, all those who believe in him will be raised as well.
Who is Jesus?
He is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything else and holds all creation together. He is your way to true life— both eternally and now. He is your closest friend and companion in this life—closer than a brother or sister. He lives in you—the hope of glory. He is daily conforming you to live as he lived—as a servant, not a superstar. The very power and presence of heaven is indwelling you through him—right now.
Listen to his prophetic voice today, guiding you into all truth. Let him rule as a king in your heart, overseeing and controlling everything that comes to you.
Know who Jesus is. Believe in him and you will be saved. Joyfully face your upcoming eternal paradise. Your heart should never be troubled. Believe in the Father. Believe also in Jesus.
As Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father, know that he will always uphold you with his righteous right hand.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]