John 6:44-45 “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: `They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”

Once again we have to deal with the mystery of God’s sovereignty and man’s free will. I think the key is in the second of these two verses. Isaiah said, “They will all be taught by God.” However, not everyone listens and learns! As a teacher myself, I know all too well that the attitude of the student makes as much if not more difference in how much they learn than their native ability. There are of course wide variations in teaching style and ability, but for any given teacher, one student might soak up the material like a sponge, while another might not learn hardly anything. I’m reminded of the many passages in Proverbs that contrast Wisdom and Folly. Listening to and learning from God, and consequently coming to Christ and receiving eternal life, ought to be a “no-brainer,” but a heartbreakingly large number of people don’t make that choice, though it is offered to them. We can’t blame God because “He didn’t draw me,” we can only repent of our stubbornness at the many times He gave us opportunities to respond.

This is a major issue for me, because the vast majority of people around me have not responded to God’s invitation. The devil is a consummate liar, and he has deceived so many! However, I’ve got to remember that the Holy Spirit in me in greater than the devil in every way, (1 John 4:4) and not give up extending the invitation. I am to pray earnestly and faithfully, participating with God in His work of salvation, allowing Him to speak His invitation through me, rather than trying to convince people by my logic or otherwise. I am to know that any rejection is not of me but of Him, and so not draw back, but rather keep pressing in. I need to lead the flock as we grow together in our understand of prayer, spiritual warfare, and what it means to be God’s co-laborers, (2 Corinthians 6:1) so that His name may be hallowed and His kingdom come as His will is done in and through us.

Father, You are indeed moving beautifully among us, and there are many distractions. Help us focus on You, choosing to listen and learn, so that we may be and do all that You desire and intend, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!