Friday :: October 19 :: John 5

I was caught by Jesus' approach to the man he healed in this chapter. What came to mind mind was that Jesus was most of the time approached by people who wanted him to do something. Like all the time - he is being asked to heal this person, touch that one ... give, give, give. But on this day, he looks at a man and asks, "Are you interested in getting better or do you like it begging here." (TB's paraphrase free of charge). I like seeing a proactive Lord who is willing to drag us out of our circumstances ... if we are wanting to get out of them.

[NLT] "38 and you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you. 39 “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! 40 Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life."

I'm struck by the boldness again of Jesus to speak directly to the issues at hand. Here's a question to ponder ... is God in our heart in our "pre-conversion" condition or is His message placed there after our faith is placed in Him? Jesus tells these religious leaders: "because God's message isn't in your heart, you don't believe in me, His Son."