Thursday April 1, 2021

Today’s Reading: John 12:37-50

The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.

John 12:45

Reflection: What an incredible thought, that the great I AM once walked the earth and lived among men and women. When people looked into the face of Jesus, they gazed upon the face of God Himself. As they were listening to His teaching, they were listening to the very Word of God. As they walked throughout Judea with Christ, they were being guided by the Great Shepherd of their souls. Jesus reminded the Jews in His presence that those who looked upon Him saw the One Who sent Him. Jesus was not only sent from God, but He is God Himself. His actions were the very actions of the Almighty Creator. His words were that of the LORD.

Many witnessed the great miracles that Jesus performed, experienced the wonderful things that He had done and believed that He was the Messiah. But these people were unwilling to declare what they knew to be true. Even in the presence of the Almighty God, they sought the approval of men. They feared being outcast by them more than they feared God. The Great Eternal God stepped down from heaven to draw near to us in human flesh. May we never be tempted away from our Savior by the temporary, fleeting acceptance of other people, but instead be focused on doing all things to praise Him. May we never be too fearful of the thoughts of others to follow Jesus boldly.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, there is no one like You. You are the Eternal God. You through Your Son have drawn near to us in Compassion and Mercy. Thank You for revealing Your Glory to us. Thank You for drawing near to us. Thank You for also inviting us to follow You. Please grant me boldness today to adhere to Your teaching. Please instill within me the courage to continue following You boldly. I pray all of these things in the Name of Jesus my Savior, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Ephesians 5:21-33; Ezekiel 16; Isaiah 45