In The Word
Read: John 12:37-50
37 But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
44 And Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. 46 I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. 50 I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me.”
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
This seemed to be the last time Yahshua spoke to the crowds before He gave His life for the world. John was saying how amazing it was that even though Yahshua had performed many miracles, the people rejected who He was. Our Lord explained to the crowd His calling and heart. He said, “I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” He reassured the people that His message was from the Father not something He made up. The whole world had been judged, but there was hope if someone would believe in the one the Father had sent.
When they rejected Christ, our Father blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. The people desired salvation but not through Christ. Their decision brought darkness instead of light. Those that did receive Him, were converted and healed. However, some believed in Him but would not confess Him because they sought the approval of man over God. It is not enough to believe; one must also confess (Romans 10:9).
God is very much at work in the world today performing many miracles through His people. Many people in the world refuse to believe in Him. Some that believe, will not stand publicly for Christ because they desire man’s approval over God’s. We who have believed and have been healed, must keep bringing this message of eternal life to those who live in darkness. Are you being faithful to share the gospel with those around you? That is why we are still here. Do not desire the approval of man over God, but stand up and share your faith.