5-22-26 Weekly Devotional – A Serious Misunderstanding
One night, approximately 2,026 years ago A Jewish religious leader of high rank (a Pharisee), approached Jesus trying to sort out just whom He was. Many thought Him to be the Jews long awaited Messiah, some thought of Him as being a prophet, some thought of Him as being a teacher, He certainly knew their Scriptures; But Jesus, knew Nicodemus’ real need and spoke these words to him >
14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.
And the Apostle John, the author of the gospel where this exchange is found, knew that Jesus was in fact, God in flesh. His testimony was “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men…..14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:1-4; 14).
John continued with his testimony writing; He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Jesus later, speaking to a certain group who tagged along wherever He went because of the things He had been doing addressed the cost of discipleship, of being a true follower, saying; “26 If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple”(Luke 14:26-27).
Our friends at GotQuestions.org. proffers that Jesus was not calling for literal hatred of family members, but for absolute prioritization of God above all else. The Greek word aphiēmi (ἀφίημι) means “to let go of” or “to renounce,” not to feel hatred. In this context, it means surrendering one’s loyalty to family and self to the point of choosing God’s will even if it means family disapproval or loss. End of quote.
Please notice that an emphasis was put on the words “believe on Jesus” by both Jesus and John. Nothing was said by either of them about “accepting” Jesus for citizenship or salvation. There is much more in being granted citizenship in heaven and/or being granted salvation. Obedience, Commitment and surrender is the ticket. Living a life of obedience, commitment, and surrender is an absolute joy. Walking otherwise opens the door to doubt, fear and sadness.
Lord, help me (help us) in our walk.
Steve
Stevelampman.com
Transforming Power; The Work of God on Behalf of Man