Today’s Reading: John 7:25-31
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“So Jesus proclaimed, as he taught in the temple, ‘You know me, and you know where I come from. But I have not come of my own accord. He who sent me is true, and him you do not know. I know him, for I come from him, and he sent me.’”
* * * * *
People often assume they know more about Jesus than they do. They’ve never taken the time to explore what he has actually claimed. Subsequently, they make wild, audacious statements about him that are far from true.
As Jesus taught in the Temple, some Jews did the same thing. They thought they knew his identity—especially the specifics about where he was from. They concluded the Messiah could not have Jesus’ background.
They failed to realize Jesus’ true home. He was sent from heaven. He didn’t come on his own accord. He was asked by his Father to leave the splendor of heaven and come to the squalor of this world.
Do you know why Jesus was sent? He became a baby in a manger to live the righteous life you can’t live because of your sin. He was sent to die a hideous death you should have died. He took your shame upon himself and gave you his righteousness—all a gift by grace through faith—rooted in the Father’s love for you.
Jesus knows the Father. He came from him. The Father alone sent the Son.
And Jesus gladly obeyed—so that you could be forgiven of your sins and have an intimate, personal, and dynamic relationship with him forever. It was for love—for you—that he came.
Do you know the extent of Jesus’ abiding love for you? If you feel any condemnation, it’s not from him. How could he die for you and then condemn you? How could he justify you, declaring you not guilty before the Father, and make accusation against you? How could he offer incessant intercession for you and prosecute you at the same time? It’s implausible and makes no sense.
If you feel condemnation, it’s from the enemy. He is the accuser of those who believe in Jesus. He wants to paralyze you with guilt. He desires to put you on the sidelines of life with a spiritual ACL injury. He hopes to paralyze your Christian walk.
There is no condemnation for those who know Jesus’ love. None. Don’t listen to those voices of accusation in your mind. They are not from Jesus. He is for you—on your side!
No shadow of shame ever darkens the face of God’s people. Those who look to him are free from guilt and are radiant with joy. God forgives wickedness and never again remembers sin.
God loves you. You are his. Nothing can ever separate you from his love. It is secure.
He said so.
And God speaks nothing but the truth.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]