February 24
JOHN 10
22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
– John 10:22-29
JOHN 10 WHY SOME CAN’T BELIEVE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
There are some who claim that they are believers
Yet they do not truly hear and apply Scriptures
Just like the Pharisees, they are blind to the truth
They hear but their hearts do not submit to the Lord
Even if the truth is just right in front of them
They fail to see it because they are full of pride.
Have you ever encountered people who claim they know God and yet you don’t see any evidence in their lives that they do believe and serve the Lord? In this account, we are given a clear account of how the Pharisees are like these people I am talking about. They study Scriptures as an accomplishment to gain recognition. They have no love for the Lord or for His word. They do not truly understand them because the word of God needs to be received humbly. James 1:21 says “Therefore, laying aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” There is a posture of humility needed to be able to let the word of God come to life in your heart. The truth is not something that anyone can use for their own selfish motives. It is given to us so that we can follow the way of righteousness and proclaim the kingdom of God on earth. It is to give the Lord glory, not ourselves.
REFLECTION
• Share some Scripture abuse you have encountered in your Christian life.
