Day 297: John 5:19-30

I believe that one of the biggest flaws in human nature is the desire to judge one another.  The reason is because as humans, we like to ‘justify’ our actions.  It’s difficult to admit that we are wrong.  It’s hard to see ourselves as unjustified for the way that we often behave towards others.  Or, it could be because we like to think of ourselves as a little better than others.  However, there is only one judge and that is Jesus Christ.

In John 5:19-30, Jesus tells us that He is the only judge.  The Good News is that we have the opportunity to pass judgment and enter into eternal life.  And, to make it even better, this doesn’t have to wait until we die, but can happen right now!  In this passage, Jesus tells us how we can have this LIFE right now!

Jesus says, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, 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” (v.24-25).  In other words, try to remember that for Jesus, death is the same as sin.  This is important because it changes everything! 

If we confess our sin, we have no sin.  Our God who is just and merciful will cleanse us from our sin – wipe it away, which breaks the barrier – tears down the walls between us and Him!  Once that barrier is gone, there is nothing to be judged for!  We receive life!  A life free from judgement!  A life that will never end! 

So you see, for us Christians, the Law – The Ten Commandments, is there to guide us and help lead us in the direction God wants each of us to go; however, it’s not why we have the Law.  The Law is there to convict us.  It convicts us because we fail to have the ability to follow it.  Our confession, our repentance, lands us right into God’s amazing grace! 

Before judging others, I say judge yourself first.  Hear the Word of God to repent.  Eternal life is right here – right now – at your fingertips!

Let us pray…Gracious God, we give you thanks for your Son, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to come to you with our confession.  Take our sin and wash it away so that we can have a life in you!  We pray this in your name.  Amen.