Tuesday 2 April, 2019

44 Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. 45 The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. 47 “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken. 50 I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.”

Verse 47 is just so good…

If I hear Jesus’ words, and don’t follow them, he doesn’t judge me. He’s come to save me – not judge me.

But He has every right to judge me. He made me. He made everything. I’ve destroyed His creation – I’ve rejected Him. I’ve said to Him “I’m the boss of me! I know what’s best for me! Get out!” Yet He still extends His hand of acceptance and forgiveness to me. Why? How can this be possible? This is mercy that I can’t wrap my head around.

The problem though, is time. The time is coming when there will be no more time. When that happens there is a Judge – His verdict will be based on what I’ve decided to do with Jesus’ words. Whether I’ve accepted them or rejected them.

The question is time. What will I do right now? Will I run the gauntlet of time and hope I’ll choose to follow Jesus at the very end? (And forfeit the amazing life He had planned for me all along?) Or will I soften my heart today (see Duet 30:19) and say “ok Jesus”?

Jesus, I’m done with rejecting you. I am amazed at your mercy and patience with me. I choose to follow you today.

Amen

Written by Boudy Van Noppen