“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16 (NKJV)
Are you really listening?
You are not listening.
Why are you not listening?
Is it because it sounds too simple to be true?
Is it because it takes the focus off of you, your self-efforts, and your ability to perform to prove that you are worthy to earn and deserve God’s love?
Are you being like leprous Naaman, the army commander who stomped off in a rage when the servant of the prophet Elisha told him, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.” (2nd Kings 5:10, NKJV).
Naaman wasn’t listening. He viewed the instruction as ridiculous, too absurd for his ranking.
Well, just listen to me. All you have to do is believe.
As simply yet profoundly stated in John 3:16, “…whoever believes…”
Belief is all you need to step into the inheritance that was purchased for you with the blood of the beloved Son of God.
Believe in Jesus. Believe in the power of His name. Believe in what He has done for you at the cross. Believe in His love. Believe in the divine exchange that took place at the cross. Believe that all your sins have been punished at the cross. Believe that through Jesus, you have received the gifts of righteousness and eternal life.
Are you still listening? Or in your mind, you have disqualified yourself from being a “whoever” because of recent failures or sins you have committed?
Listen to me, your righteousness is in Christ Jesus alone, so make Him, His forgiveness, and His love the centre of every part of your life.
It’s simple, it’s profound. When you believe, you will end up living right.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to listen to the still small voice of Your Holy Spirit as He leads us into all truth. Help us, as we read Your Word, to see and believe that it is the finished work of Your Son, Jesus, that brings us into right living. Help us to acknowledge that it is only by Jesus Christ alone that we are made righteous and receive the gift of eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Read: Psalm 46:10; John 10:27
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 21:17-26; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10; Micah 5; Micah 6; Micah 7