1 John 5:5-10
The person who wins out over the world’s ways is simply the one who believes Jesus is the Son of God.
Jesus—the
Divine Christ! He experienced a life-giving birth and a death-killing
death. Not only birth from the womb, but baptismal birth of his ministry
and sacrificial death. And all the while the Spirit is confirming the
truth, the reality of God’s presence at Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion,
bringing those occasions alive for us. A triple testimony: the Spirit,
the Baptism, the Crucifixion. And the three in perfect agreement.
If
we take human testimony at face value, how much more should we be
reassured when God gives testimony as he does here, testifying
concerning his Son.
Scripture
quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002
by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs,
CO. All rights reserved.
I’m sure you have heard
the phrase, “If you read it on the Internet, then it must be true!”
This is said tongue-in-cheek, of course. But sadly, a lot of people
“buy in” to the word of others – on a wide variety of topics! I was
dismayed to hear some sixth-graders discussing politicians last week at
church. I was disappointed by how (I’m sure with help from their
parents) they appear to believe what these people are peddling…hook,
line, and sinker. Never mind the name calling and infantile behaviors
of some of these folks…these kids are “in” – and you can tell that they
want to be just like the candidate their family is supporting.
So
the question being asked in this scripture passage is this…”Why are we
so eager to believe and support the word of mere human beings, yet we
often fail to accept what God tells us – not once, but three times?
Why will we accept the word of someone who says that the world is
falling apart, and he/she knows how to fix it…but we don’t act like we
believe that with God, all things are possible? Why do we laugh – and
even cheer – when a politician berates, belittles or disparages others –
as we fail to respect Jesus’ holy commandment to “love one another?”
Do
we really know who Jesus is…and how He operates in our lives? If God
spoke to us through Jesus’ baptism and crucifixion…and His Holy Spirit
nudges our hearts and minds every day…why do we not believe that Jesus
is the Son of God? “Oh, we DO believe this!” you may be saying.
Really? Are you acting as if you believe it? Are you following God’s
commandments, demonstrating love, forgiveness, grace, mercy and
compassion to all other people? Are you living each and every
day in a way that says to others, “Jesus is alive within me. His Holy
Spirit flows through me every single day.”?
Many of us are
terribly gullible and naïve. We are ready to believe anyone who comes
along looking impressive and knowledgeable. We trust that whatever is
placed before us – such as on the Internet – MUST be true (which would
explain the picture I got last week on Facebook of a “nursing” mother
rattlesnake with about a dozen “babies” laid out along her side!). We
willingly step in line and follow a lot of people who are peddling
nothing more than veritable “snake oil.” And yet, when presented with
THREE testimonies to the sovereignty and supremacy of Jesus Christ, we
act like we need more proof!
Misplaced priorities and
allegiance? You tell me! Misguided loyalty? I’d say so! Are we
failing to recognize Jesus for Who He really is? Unforgivable! It’s
time to get real…about our faith…about who Jesus is in our heart and
mind…and about how we live for Him. And it begins today. Are you ready
to choose Jesus over the world at large? Don’t you think it’s time you
did?
©2016 Debbie Robus
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