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Respite For the Weary
My previous three ABC posts are: Rest with Him Run with Him, Stand Steady in His Strength, and Totally Trust the Truth. Today's post is: Understand His Unfailing Love.
Understand His Unfailing Love? Synopsis of John 19:1-16.
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor during Jesus' ministry. The Jewish chief priests went to Pilate in order to get his permission to crucify Jesus. Pilate stood face to face with Jesus and was confused by His silent strength and unwavering mindset. In the midst of the limited but powerful conversation, Pilate asked Jesus, "What is truth?" This unresolved internal conflict led Pilate to the persuaded external decision of turning Jesus over to the Jews to be crucified. Sadly, Pontius Pilate never understood the unfailing love of Jesus Christ.
Understand His Unfailing Love! Synopsis of John 3:1-16; 7:50-52; 19:39-40.
There was another man named Nicodemus who also stood face to face with Jesus. One night, during Jesus' earlier years of ministry, Nicodemus asked the Teacher (Jesus) several difficult questions. As he was listening intently to His answers he became confused, but he did not walk away. Instead, Jesus' inviting words of being born of the Spirit captivated Nicodemus' heart. From this middle-of-the night encounter with the great Teacher, Nicodemus began to understand the unfailing love of God, and he longed to know more of this beautiful Truth. Consequently, at the time of Jesus' trial, Nicodemus boldly defended Jesus before his own Jewish council; he was no longer afraid to be a Christ-follower. And after Jesus was crucified, Nicodemus loyally helped bury His body.
When looking at these two men, here are a few questions:
Do I tend to give into peer pressure or do I make a stand when it comes to who Jesus is?
Do I truly understand God's love for me?
Do I believe that God's word is His love letter to me?
Both men in the passages above asked questions. Pontius Pilate was pulled toward the truth when listening to Jesus, but then, he was wishy-washy and stepped away. Nicodemus, on the other hand, decided to keep walking persistently forward. He asked one question at a time and gleaned from Jesus' thought-provoking words. Jesus honored Nicodemus' searching heart by giving him insight into the truth of who He is: the One who will give His life as a ransom for many.
Remember, Jesus literally died to give you His unfailing love. Today, right now, He longs to be gracious to you, He waits on high to have compassion on you. (Isaiah 30:18). Don't back away from His words of truth; don't give into the pressure of the world. Instead, be persistent with your questions, and He will be faithful with His answers. Make it your ambition to understand His unfailing love and, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.
"Let him who boasts, boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:24)The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. (2 Chronicles 16:9)
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved--and that by God. Philippians 1:27-28
Dear Lord,
We thank you that whatever happens on this earth, good or evil, all believers in Christ have eternal salvation with you. Help us to stand firm "as one man" believing in this promise. You are the Victor over life, over death, over all. Amen.