John 20:31 But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

This 20^th chapter of John has some truly earthshaking verses in it, but this is the one that resonates with me most at the moment. The whole focus of the Bible is actually on this very point. Moses wrote the Pentateuch so that people would know and believe that there is a Creator who loves them and cares how they live. The various historians who wrote several of the books of the Old Testament were trying to leave a record of what God had done, and what mankind had done, so that people would believe that their Creator has a plan for them, but if they rebel against Him they will face the consequences. The books of the prophets are naturally efforts to communicate what God has said to us, not simply as information but so that we would believe and obey. The Psalms are people’s responses to their circumstances and their faith, encouraging others to believe as well. The books that are called “wisdom literature” are again efforts to communicate God’s truth, to steer people clear of the traps of human pride and stupidity. Then we get to the New Testament, and in line with what John says here, it was recorded to show that Jesus is indeed the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament talks about. Faith is a combination of a grasp of the facts and an emotional and practical response to those facts. Either half of that is insufficient in itself. There are Bible scholars who don’t really believe the Bible! Conversely, there are people who are all emotion, but have no grounding in God’s truth. Live-giving faith involves knowing that there is a Creator who loves us, that we have violated His plans for us and so are separated from Him, and that He has provided a path through His Son for us to be forgiven of our rebellion against Him and receive eternal life as His children. Such faith will certainly impact the way that we live, but none of us get it perfectly. Accurate response to God always involves humility, and gratitude that God loves us so much.

As I was sharing yet again just yesterday, I have loved God since I was a small child. However, my response and obedience to Him has certainly not been perfect. When He gave me a glimpse of my own soul when I was 24, it almost shattered me. I wish I could say I really learned my lesson at that point, but I have been stupid countless times since then. That has taught me that indeed, God’s grace is truly amazing! At this point I have deep assurance of my life in Christ, but I have learned not to trust myself. I know that God has given me a good intellect, and I know that He speaks to me and guides me, but I also know that any time I trust my intellect over listening to Him, I get into trouble. I desire that every part of my life share the motivation that John expressed in this verse, and I know that God is able to make it happen, but I certainly can’t do it on my own.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for the opportunities You give me to share Your truth, Your love and grace, with those around me. May I do so in the anointing and power of Your Spirit, so that people may indeed be brought from death to life, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!