A full day, Father, and a full heart as well. So many going through so much. I pray that they would find solace in You and that Your people would be Your hands as You bring them comfort. Amen.
John 21:24-25 (<<click here to read the passage)
One thing that I have always wanted to do is to serve on a jury. I’ve received numerous notifications, but never once have I been selected. I suppose being a pastor may factor in, but I can’t do much about that. Personally, I would find the whole operation very interesting…maybe someday!
The author of this Gospel, the Apostle John, wrote of himself,

This is the same disciple who is testifying to these things and has recorded them; and we know [without any doubt] that his testimony is true.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. AMP

John, like an astute attorney, set out to plead his case efficiently and thoroughly. He clearly stated, as is recorded in chapter 20, verses 30-31,

There are also many other signs (attesting miracles) that Jesus performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe [with a deep, abiding trust] that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of God; and that by believing [and trusting in and relying on Him] you may have life in His name. AMP

He wanted to prove, beyond any doubt that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus said it, and John clearly and systematically presented the evidence for Jesus’ claims.
And in this case, each one of us is the juror. We must thoroughly examine the evidence presented and we are compelled to make a judgment…is Jesus the Son of God, or isn’t he? *
Interestingly enough, we are also the defendant in that our own decision will find us receiving the death penalty for our sin or pardon in full.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 6:23 clearly states,

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMP

When we stand before God on that great day of judgment our decision on this matter will be the deciding factor on where we will spend eternity. No one else can be blamed if our own choice did not relieve us of our guilt. It will not be an eternal party with all of our “friends” of like mind, but eternal torment. We will be forever separated from God who did absolutely everything within His power to redeem us.
Lord Jesus, may we take our responsibility seriously to determine who You are. It is an eternal life or death decision that we must make. Open our eyes and our hearts to the reality of who You are. Amen.

*Life Application Study Bible New Living Translation

Nov 28th, 2021, Sun, 7:18 pm