Relevant Words (John 12:36b-43)

Today's scripture: John 12:36b-43

I just so love how relevant the Bible is! Many say the Bible is old and dusty. Its words have no real meaning. It was written for a particular people and time, and it's not applicable for us today.

This is so far from the truth!

So often, I read God's words and then watch the news ... and the news completely supports the verses I've read. In addition, the Bible offers so many guidelines (loving others; thinking of others more highly than we do ourselves; not relying on worldly possessions) that are pertinent today. If only we would live by them ...

The Bible is also relevant when we look at how people respond to Jesus. Just in today's verses, we see two kinds of people: those who've seen the truth, yet choose not to believe; those who believe, but are afraid to tell others because of what they might say.

It breaks my heart to see how many people are walking away from the truth. I know several who were raised to know Jesus, who at one time committed their lives to Him. Yet now, in spite of how they've seen Jesus work, they've chosen not to believe. It breaks my heart as well to see those who continue to hear the truth, but they too refuse to believe. They've "hardened their hearts," just as the Bible says many will.

Then there are those who have put their faith in Jesus, yet they hide the truth from their friends and family. Why? Because they're afraid of what people might say. Will they make fun? Ridicule? Worse? Perhaps they live in an area where Christians are persecuted, so yes, they're afraid. But what about those who "love the approval of men rather than the approval of God"? It's one thing to hesitate to share one's faith because of the threat of torture or death (and really, how many of us face that?); it's something altogether different to not share because someone might tease or make fun.

We have been given the greatest gift: salvation. We have the privilege of a relationship with the Most High God. We have the greatest message.

Don't harden your heart. Look at the evidence. Let Jesus speak to you. Then commit yourself to the One who loves you beyond your comprehension. And tell others so they can accept the same gift.

Hardened Hearts ... (Ps. 95:7b-11)

Today’s scripture: Psalm 95:7b-11

God loves us, of that I’m certain. But make no mistake: God is holy and righteous, and He cannot abide sin. He will rightfully judge those who “harden [their] hearts.”

Relatively few people living on the earth today have the right to say they never heard of God and the sacrificial death of Jesus. Not so long ago, I heard that, sometime in 2013, Wycliffe Bible Translators will begin translating the gospel into the languages of the remaining people groups. Within just a few years, every known language on earth will have a translation of the gospel.

Then there will be no one who will be able to say they never heard.

So why are there now—and will be then—so many who will not commit their lives to Christ? Just as the people of Israel did, many harden their hearts. They refuse to see the truth. They don’t want to give up control. They choose to follow their own will. They think the world offers more than God ever could.

And so, just as holy God rightfully judged the people of Israel by refusing to allow a generation to enter the Promised Land, so He will judge those who choose not to follow Him. He will allow them to remain separated from Him, and they too will not “enter into [His] rest”—eternity with Him in heaven.

You’ve heard God’s truth. You’ve heard the good news of Jesus Christ’s payment for the penalty of your sin. Have you hardened your heart? Oh please, hear me: Allow the Holy Spirit to soften your heart, and commit your life to your loving—and holy—heavenly Father.