Today’s Reading: John 2:18-25
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up…But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because…he himself knew what was in man.”
* * * * *
After Jesus cleansed the Temple, he was not very popular. The religious authorities demanded that he give them a sign to validate his authority. His answer pointed to his resurrection. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up,” he declared to them. As Creator over this world, he knew he had the power to resurrect his physical body. He knew he would return from the grave.
Today, believe that if you trust in Jesus, you will be raised from the dead as well. After death, you will receive a glorious, eternal, flawless resurrection body. You will never die. Rather, you will step from this life into the next one.
It is a day to which you should look forward. It should allow you to face today without fear or anxiety. Where is the fear of death? Where is its victory? It’s been swallowed up in the reality of your future resurrection from the grave.
And if Jesus controls your life after death, he will surely control your life today. Nothing that happens to you is beyond his control. Don’t fear! No weapon formed against you will prosper. He is your God. He upholds you with all his strength. Face today with courage and boldness.
And as you do, remember not to put your faith in people. Resist every ounce of living life trying to please people!
Jesus did. He didn’t trust anyone. Why? Because he knew what was in every person’s heart. He knew what motivated people. He knew the pernicious pride that indwells every person. He knew that every human primarily looks out for number one. He knew that everyone has an inbuilt desire for the world to revolve around him and use other people for their own personal, selfish benefits.
Jesus is trying to teach us the dangers of living for the praises of people. He knew how fickle they are. He knew the power of sin in their hearts and how self-serving they are. Therefore, he entrusted himself to no one. He trusted God alone. He knew steadfast, eternal joy could never be found in people’s ever-changing whims and fancies.
Jesus later experienced this truth. As he died on the cross, all the disciples, except John, deserted him. They were afraid they’d be captured and killed in a similar fashion.
Today, realize that people make lousy gods. Don’t trust them. If you depend upon them, you will be disappointed.
Depend solely on Jesus. Trust explicitly in him. He will never leave nor forsake you.
He will never let go of you. He will never give up on you. His love never fails.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]