Scripture: John 5
He who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life: Jesus lifts Himself far [above] the level of any mere man. Think of it: “Hear My word and have everlasting life. ” This is either the babbling of an insane man or the words of God Himself. There is no neutral ground to be found here.
David Guzik :: Study Guide for John 5
This is not the Messiah the Jews expected…He was breaking the Sabbath and claiming equality with God. Jesus didn’t try to persuade them. He just gave them the facts:
And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.
John 5:37-38
There’s no neutral ground with Jesus…you’re either all in or all out.
I’ve been reading through a great devotional on the Bible app called All In by Dr. Chris Stephens. It’s been a refreshing read thus far. The challenge to stop wading in the shallow end is a challenge we should accept. I loved this excerpt from Day 3:
the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked” (1John2:6).
Once we throw off the expectations we think others have of us and those we put on ourselves, then we refocus our energy into following His simple commands. That’s when we experience the true freedom of being truly and wholly devoted to Christ. These priorities are not expectations to miss and fall short of. These priorities are opportunities for us to follow His loving commands and see all He can do when we go all in!
Let’s go all in with Jesus. Stop acting on the expectations of others and abide by the word of God.
Journal: Write a prayer asking God to help you know what it means to be “all in”.
Move: Sunday…take a rest or make up for a lazy day!
{Beginner’s run #12: Walk 5 minutes to warm-up, then run 6 minutes/walk 1 minute x4, then walk 5 minutes to cool-down.}
Praise the Lord, and just show up.
Free and Fearless 