Let’s delve into the profound message encapsulated in John 20:31. Foundational scriptures reveal their purpose: to inspire belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God. Join us on a journey of faith and discovery, where belief in His name offers life-transforming power.
Believing Is More Than Intellectual Assent
Believing in Jesus is not merely an intellectual belief or a concept; it’s not about having Jesus as one aspect of our lives that revolves around us. It’s about Jesus being the center of our existence, living a life anchored in worship by believing, cleaving to, relying on, trusting in, and resting upon Him.
As we’ve journeyed through the signs of Jesus, we realise that these wonders were not simply for the display of miraculous power. They demonstrated that God uses these acts to draw us closer to salvation. The essence of these signs wasn’t the miracles themselves but the invitation they extended to look unto Jesus and give Him glory.
The Real Point of Miracles
The healing of the blind man, the lame walking—these were not the ultimate aim. Through these signs, Jesus calls us to rely on Him and trust in Him. When we seek blessings, it’s not merely for the situation to change, but that in all things, we might glorify God.
God’s Delays Are Not His Denials
This brings us to a crucial understanding: God’s delays are not His denials. Sometimes what we pray for is not yet manifest, not because it is denied, but because there is a designated time in God’s plan.
Consider the account of Lazarus. Despite the delay, Jesus’ timing was purposeful. While it seemed as if God was not responding in our moment of desperation, sometimes the greater the wait, the more significant the breakthrough.
Lazarus: A Testament of Trust During Delay
When Jesus arrived at the tomb of Lazarus, it was evident that something extraordinary was about to unfold. This event teaches us that even when situations seem beyond hope, with Jesus, life can emerge from death.
Resurrection Power: Personal Application
What appears dead in your life that is God-ordained? Remember, Jesus calls those things that are not as though they were. This aligns with the principle that faith is built on trust and action, even when immediate results are not visible.
Our Part to Play
God does what only He can do, and then looks for our cooperation. After Jesus called Lazarus from the grave, He commanded others to free him from the grave clothes. This partnership with the divine extends to us too—we must play our part in God’s redemptive plan.
Jesus’ signs show that God loves us deeply, is committed to us, and has total power over both physical and spiritual death. If you’re stirred in your heart, know that it’s God reaching out, inviting you to start a relationship that grows progressively deeper.
Enter a Progressive Relationship with God
Just like any relationship that starts with a simple “hello” and progresses into something deeper, our relationship with God follows a similar trajectory. It begins, develops, and becomes more devoted over time.
In closing, let us remember that the essence of our faith journey is to continually grow in our trust and commitment to God, knowing that His timing is perfect and our cooperation is key. Let us pick up where we left off or start anew, putting our trust in the One who calls us into a life-transforming relationship with Him.
