Reading
SAA Notes
What a tremendous claim Jesus makes in verse 42 (and verse 47). Love for Jesus is a very simple test to see if someone is truly godly. Love is SEEN – in patience, fairness, courage, and being long-suffering, as in 1 Corinthians 13!
SJA Notes
* Father God, You dwell in glory, the hosts of heaven surrounding Your throne. Please teach us of who You are today from Your word.
“Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.”
This is important to remember as we tell people about Jesus, as we speak His words to those around us.
While it is not a door-stopper to us preaching God’s word to the world – It is a reality that we need to remember.
If people are not of God they _will not_ hear God’s words!
But. How wonderful is the grace and mercy of God (how mysterious!), that He calls the lost, calls sinners such as me – Breaks open hard hearts and puts stubborn wills to flight.
And so the person who was _not of God_ one moment may have God’s word planted in their hearts, the seen sown in the soil of a human heart, and through the Spirit’s renewal and rebirth have their state changed to “Of God”.
Hallelujah for Immanuel – God with us!
* Father God,
Please save those around us, please Lord God!
Please open our ears to hear Your words.
Please plant Your word deep down within each of us, sinners one and all, that it would grow forth and bear much fruit.
Please write Your words upon our hearts that we might not sin against You.
Amen.