April 14 Live God’s Words

John 11:55-57 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple area they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the Feast at all?” 57 But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that if anyone found out where Jesus was, he should report it so that they might arrest him.
 
MANY people are wondering if Jesus will come to the Passover Feast. Some of these have certainly witnessed Jesus’ raising of Lazarus. Others have seen his miracles and heard his teaching. Some want to put Jesus on Jerusalem’s throne. Others, of course, want to arrest him. How different it is to believe and to not believe! Celebrate Jesus - cast Jesus away. Honor Jesus – dismiss Jesus.
    Consider mankind’s pride to so easily dismiss our Creator. When one reads his foundational teachings such as the Ten Commandments, Moses’ words in Deuteronomy (meaning “these are the words”) or the Sermon on the Mount, anyone should be able to understand these truths to be good for all.
    For example, nations’ leaders can learn how to rule in peace. Business owners will see the means to prosper. Husbands and wives learn the way to a good, loving marriage. Churches and communities can discover the means to work in unity for the common good.
    Listen to God’s desire for his people – and ultimately for the world: Deuteronomy 28:9b If you keep the commands of the Lord…12 The Lord will open the heavens, the storehouse of his bounty, to send rain on your land in season and to bless all the work of your hands. You will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. Although following God’s word does not guarantee financial wealth, our Lord promises essential financial security as we obey his commands.
    We learn, too, the spiritual blessings of God’s ways in Matthew 5:3-9 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
    Jesus then urges us to live out his words: Matthew 7:26 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
    History is clear. The world’s way leads to sure destruction. God’s ways lead us to peace now and forever. Let’s faithfully believe and live out our Creator’s words.
 
Prayer: Save us, Holy Spirit, from unbelief. Turn our eyes from self to Savior. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.