Today’s Reading: John 10:40-42
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. And many came to him. And they said, ‘John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.’ And many believed in him there.”
* * * * *
As skeptics debated Jesus’ identity, he brought several witnesses to his defense. He wanted to give them clear evidence supporting his claim to deity.
What were these witnesses? First, there were his miracles. Second, he had his Father’s voice from heaven saying he was his Son—both at his baptism and at the Mount of Transfiguration. Finally, there was one more witness to his identity as God’s Son: John the Baptist.
How was John a witness?
When Jesus arrived at a certain place across the Jordan, those who had followed him remembered this was where John had baptized many people—including Jesus. They remembered what John had said earlier about Jesus and concluded it was true.
What did John say about Jesus? He pointed to him and said, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” John told several of his disciples to leave him and follow Jesus. He said he was not worthy to tie the Lord’s sandals. He said that he baptized with water but Jesus would baptize with fire—with the power of the Holy Spirit. He said that he needed to decrease in importance and Jesus must increase.
In all this, many skeptics came to believe in Jesus.
Do you still doubt who Jesus is? What more can be given to you as evidence that would help you to accept his true identity? If all this isn’t enough to convince you, what else will?
When people honestly study his claims, they conclude he is who he said he is. They experience the new beginning he wants to give them.
More than anything else in the universe, Jesus wants you to know him. He wants you to have a personal, grace-filled relationship with him. He wants to give you a new life. He wants to indwell your heart. He wants to face every one of your life’s problems with you—never forsaking you. He wants to guide you in everything you face.
Jesus especially wants to take you home to be with him forever. That’s the major reason he came to earth: To seek and save that which was lost—yes, even you.
Let Jesus control your life. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path you should take. He will work out his plans for your life. Yield to his guidance. You may make your plans, but he determines your steps. Follow him out of your darkness to light.
He is faithful.
He is who he said he is.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]