Today’s Reading: John 5:37-47
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote of me.”
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The Jews of Jesus’ day believed that Moses wrote the Law. From Genesis to Deuteronomy, they trusted that Moses faithfully wrote the words of God. One would assume that if they believed Moses’ words, they would have eagerly received Jesus’ words—since his words come from the Father as well.
But they did not. Therefore, they must not have believed Moses’ words to be from God. Otherwise, they would have believed Jesus’ words.
Moses wrote over and over again about Jesus. When he pointed to the coming great prophet, he was referring to Jesus (Deuteronomy 18:15). He is that great prophet. Moses wrote about the high priest alone having access to the Father on behalf of the Jews (Leviticus 8–10). Jesus is that high priest for humanity. Moses wrote about the perfect lamb sacrificed to take away Israel’s sins (Leviticus 9:1-10). Jesus is that perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Moses served as the one mediator between God and the children of Israel (Exodus 33:12-15). Jesus is now the one true Mediator who stands between the Father and the sins of humanity.
In one of his resurrection appearances, Jesus walked with two forlorn disciples on the road to Emmaus. During this long walk, he took them through the entire Old Testament and showed them all the passages that pointed to himself—including Moses’ writings. Their eyes were opened. Their hearts were strangely stirred. They realized it was Jesus who was walking with them.
Today, please read the Old Testament. It is the Word of God. You will find Jesus all through its pages.
As you read, you will see the Father’s plan for salvation unfold over the course of history. He oversaw every single second of Israel’s history. He was controlling every event for his purposes. There was an obvious and perfect plan being worked out. This plan finds its fulfillment in Jesus.
If you love Jesus, you are a part of salvation history as well. The Father oversees everything that is happening in your story. Your story is a part of his story.
There is no cosmic chaos. There is omniscient oversight. God is in control. He loves you. He has a perfect plan. You are a part of that plan. He has chosen you to do something only you can do. That’s your purpose in life.
Read Jesus’ Word every chance you get. It will be a lamp to your feet and a light for your path. It will give you wise counsel. Your eyes will be opened to new instruction.
See Jesus in the pages of the Bible. It all points to him. He is the hero of the Bible.
He wants to be your hero. Let him lead your life.
And you will see your story being lived out in God’s greater story.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]