Jesus Has the Word of Life
John 5:19-29
Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and does not come under judgment but has passed from death to life.”
“Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself, and he has given him authority to execute judgment because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out: those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of condemnation.”
Many years ago, as a very close family member and I had not long entered a new phase of our adult lives and careers, we had the unplanned opportunity to share time enjoying conversation with my father while sitting in the living room of my home. Our lives had only recently embarked upon the daily routine of professional employment, family duties, financial commitments and obligations. Our shared anxiety was clearly apparent and visible to my father. It was difficult for us to see beyond the present circumstances. As our conversation moved through countless subjects and issues, we listened and raised questions to draw on my father. Finally, a question in the form of a statement was raised, “Please tell us there is more to life than this.”
There are moments in our lives when we have questions about life. We can take our financial questions to the bankers, accountants, and financial planners. When we have health questions, we have the option of going to the medical doctors, therapists, and clinicians with varying specialties to gain insight into our discomfort and relief from our pain. There are always lawyers or attorneys available for the legal questions and quandaries we experience. Who do we turn to when we have a question about life? Before taking our questions and concerns to someone we believe has authority, we most likely have checked out their credentials. Jesus speaks to the issues of life with the authority given to him by God and gently invites and nudges us to check him out in order that we might move beyond the limits of our own independent domains into a full life lived by faith. Jesus speaks of life, death, the grave, judgement, resurrection and condemnation. As we move though the fluid and unfolding realities faced each day, I still believe God is working things out for our good and there is more to life when we “hear and believe” in the authority of Jesus Christ.
prayer
In those times of our feeling overwhelmed, speak to us, Lord. Help us to remember that we do not travel distance all at one time, but step by step, day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute and that we walk by faith, not by sight. As we face what is ahead, give us a sense of priority and proper ordering so that we will keep the responsibilities of life and our own strength and abilities in proper focus.
(William D. Watley, “I Grow Weary”)
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