Read: John 6:35-51
Reflect: About 8 feet away from where I sit is a large flat TV screen. Turn it on and I can travel the globe, listen to news (or fake news), hear documentaries, and watch my favorite crime dramas. Yes, I confess to being a crime show junkie. However, God has recently reminded me that in my desire to escape the world’s escapades of the past year, I have spent more and more time zoning out by watching TV. It helps me tune out my fears and worries.
I GAVE HIM MY TV
My beloved TV now has a new addition, a large pink bow. After yet another night of binging on a crime drama (and this one had a rather depressing conclusion), I decided to give God a present: the TV. God showed me I had compartmentalized my life: what belonged to God and what belonged to me. Jesus said, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Christ had much greater things to be concerned about regarding His future (especially since He already knew about the cross). In spite of this, He placed His will into His Father’s. Why can’t I do the same?
GOD’S WILL CAN BE TRUSTED
The word “will” is repeatedly used in this passage. God makes a big deal out of it. “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” Jesus never says, “Sorry, the reservation list is too full, and I have already filled the quota of older women.” So, to all of you fellow older women out there, this is a good thing. Unlike how the world often forgets us, Jesus never does. God’s will can be trusted.
WE ARE NEVER LOST IN THE HERD
The second wonder use is, “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.” God is never going to say, “Oops, I think she was somewhere around here, but I lost track of her.” We are never lost in the herd of humanity. God knows & remembers who He will raise up on the last day.
GOING WITH GOD’S WILL 100%
Then Jesus nails it with, “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” This isn’t the timid, ineffectual belief of those who look at Jesus and say, “Hey, Jesus is a good guy; He deserves kudos for his place in history”. In contrast, this is the total devoted commitment of those who declare, “I am a sinner; Jesus totally paid my debt (both backwards, present, and forwards).” The genuine believer arrives at the conclusion, “Whatever is the Father’s will and plan for my salvation, I am totally going with it 100%. Jesus believed this, and that’s the final word.”
HOW I DRAW CLOSER TO HIM
Hmm, so how does this play out? My TV, finances, plan, relationships, and viewpoint of humanity are His 100%. That pink bow on my TV means choosing everything within His parameters. In this way, I draw closer to Him.
Jesus’ mantra was, “I can do nothing on my own initiative or authority. Just as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just (fair, righteous, unbiased). I do not seek My own will, but only the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30). Jesus wrapped His will up in a big bow and gave it to God. Will you do the same?