I realize as I bring up this next “if” in John 8, this was directed towards those in the crowd that doubted and would not listen to the voice of Jesus. As I have kept reading this section, I also see Jesus speaking a word to those who do.
“Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on My own initiative, but He sent Me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear My word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I speak the truth, you do not believe Me. Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me? He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God.””
John 8:42-47 NASB1995
If God were your Father…what if God IS your Father? What if you are walking with God, Jesus tells the group, you would love him. If you know God’s voice, he points to his son over and over again in the Scriptures. We know that Jesus’ words are all from God. We may not understand everything fully, yet, but we will. It starts with believing that Jesus is the Son of God.
We hear Jesus’ words because we walk with Him. The truth is in us because HE is in us. Jesus speaks the truth, we are called to speak the truth. Listen to his voice through the words of Scripture. Accept Jesus as the only way to the Father, accept Jesus as your King and you will hear his words.
And we love Jesus. He loved us first. How do we love Jesus? Know who sent Jesus. Quiet our hearts. Know your Father. Practice remembering His presence is with you always.
Yesterday, after a lovely morning reading God’s word, I walked into work slammed. Things were flying from all sides. Even texts from home and an update on my father. I was getting frustrated, okay angry, and short with my co-worker. I stopped and walked away. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and remembered Jesus.
It took maybe 2 minutes, but it altered my day. Nothing changed in the workload or stress. Remembering to breathe. Remembering to stay present. This is the Holy Spirit at work. This isn’t anything in me, it is the work of Christ through me.
So, we do not believe the feelings. Or the intrusive that flies in our heads. Where did that come from? I’ve written about this before, but bears repeating. We read today of Jesus rebuking those whose father is not the Lord. The father of lies leaves us with bitterness, sadness, and quite honestly, rage and anger. When our brains stray, it is time to take a step back and remember OUR Father who is in Heaven. He is your true Father.
He will never lie to you. Send bizarro thoughts. Hear the word of the Lord today. Read God’s words. Let Him fill your mind today. Right now.
Peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with you today and always.
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