Advent Devotion - Day 21

Join us through this special time of Advent as we dive deeper into the Word of God. Each day, we will pray and reflect on a different passage from Scripture. Daily Readings are from the Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings, and reflections are written by our church staff.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
  test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
  and lead me along the path of everlasting life. Amen.

(Psalm 139:23-24)

John 3:31-36
New Living Translation

³¹ “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else.[a] ³² He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! ³³ Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. ³⁴ For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. ³⁵ The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands. ³⁶ And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment.”

This portion of scripture from John is a summary of the entire gospel. Jesus comes from “above,” sent by God to speak the truth about God and to give the Spirit. Belief or unbelief in this divinely appointed witness, who is the Son of the Father, determines one’s present and future relationship with God. We know from the book of Hebrews that it is impossible to please God without faith. We also learn in the book of James that faith is inseparable from action. To those who believe in Jesus, the subsequent response to salvation is obedience. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we turn away from our former sinful ways and are spiritually reborn. We no longer want to follow those old ways. Our desires begin to mirror His desires, and our deeds reflect His heart for the world around us. Those deeds are the outer reflection of the inner transformation.

I attended a funeral for my good friend’s mom this week. A few things really stuck out to me during the preacher’s message. The preacher said that you couldn’t separate her from Jesus, meaning that if you knew her, then you knew about her faith in Christ. This statement was not only true about her but should also be true about each one of us. A heart that is continually being transformed into the likeness of God will reveal itself through actions that align with the word and will of God. My friend’s mom always welcomed people into her home and showed hospitality to these guests, regardless of their age or social status. She was genuine in her concern and care for people and made each person feel important, seen, and loved. Her words and actions reflected Christ’s love for others and are a huge part of the legacy she is leaving behind.