Today’s Reading: John 5:19-24
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him…whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”
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God the Father has given to Jesus the right to judge all people. It was his divine pleasure to do so.
Why was this done? He wanted all humans to honor Jesus as they honor him. To honor someone means to prize, value, and esteem him. This is another clear affirmation of Jesus’ deity. If someone doesn’t honor him, they don’t honor the one who sent him.
Jesus is not a mere philosopher, moral teacher, or good man. His true identity includes these options. But he is so much more. He and the Father are one. When you worship Jesus, you worship the Father. When you honor Jesus, you honor the Father.
And whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life—at this very moment. When you’ve received his forgiveness from your sin, this life is not only a future, eternal assurance. It begins here and now and lasts forever.
From God’s perspective, you’ve already been pronounced not guilty for all your sins. You’ve already faced the judgment seat. After death, there’s no doubt about the destination of your eternal soul. It is already secure in heaven.
Because this is true, there is no reason to fear anything you face. If your eternity is secure in Jesus, why fear anything? What is the worst thing that can happen to you? If you die, you have the joy of spending eternity with him. If death is the worst possible thing that can happen to you, then it ends up being the best thing that can happen because it brings you into his presence.
If your eternity is secure in Jesus, what is there to be anxious about? Do not be afraid of anything. Don’t fear, for he is with you. He is your God—closer to you than you can ever imagine. He will comfort you when you are hurting. He will uphold you with his strong right hand when you feel your knees are buckling.
You are the focus of his eternal love and care. Your death has been conquered. Your eternal life is secured. You’ve already been declared guiltless and adopted into his eternal family. And you will be together forever.
Give your burdens to him. He cares for you. He lifts up all those bent underneath their loads. Trust him, and he will help you.
Live abundantly—beyond all expectations. Be free from all fear and worry. Allow his eternal life and love to fill your heart today, tomorrow, and forever.
As you walk with Jesus, know that he is right by your side. His presence with you is secure—for today and all eternity.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]