Rejecting the Word of God

Scripture: Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you." John 10:25-26

Observation: The conversation about whether or not Jesus is the Messiah continues, with the leaders asking him to "plainly" tell them. However, as Jesus points out, he has told them. Jesus has openly called himself the Son of Man. He openly calls himself the son of God. Even before this, John the Baptist declared Jesus to be the Messiah. However, the evidence Jesus calls out - and about which he condemns the Jews for not believing - is this ... he has performed every work that scriptural prophesy declares the Messiah will perform.

Jesus could tell the Jews anything. However, the great point is that the Lord has already told them, and it is the word of the Lord that they refuse to believe. The word of the Lord describes the miracles to be performed, the nature and message of his ministry, the locations of his life, and themes of his teaching, the purpose of his mission, and the extent of his knowledge and wisdom. Jesus has then demonstrated all these things through amazing miracles, healings, sermons, parables, and travels, through every corner of Judea.

Application: My worst sin - my worst act as a fallen human - is when I simply disregard God. I do this too often, and sometimes I do it totally consciously. As Jesus points out, this is the true act of sin and rebellion ... to ignore or even reject the word of God.

Those who believe in Jesus are also to obey the word of the Lord. These go hand in glove ... or hand in hand, as one walks humbly with the Lord. I wish to do this - walk with the Lord - but ignore his word from time to time. As James would say, this cannot be.

As a believer in Jesus, I believe in his word and teaching, and I believe in the total authority of scripture. I must to a better job applying both to my life in order to draw closer to the Lord. Jesus is clear that ignoring God's word is an act that separates one from God and creates a divide between the person and an understanding of God, his love, and his promised salvation. I must remedy my attitude in this regard.

Prayer: Lord, I ask you this day to forgive me for the times I have rejected your teaching and acted in my own will. I do this out of pride and arrogance, as if I understand what is best in my own life. I am sorry. Again, please forgive me. You are my father, my provider, and my Lord, and Jesus is my savior or Lord of my life. I desire to walk with you, so please wash my sins away this day, as I desire to remain in your word. Amen.