22nd March 2012 John 5:31-end

Testimonies About Jesus
“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.  There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.   “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.  Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.  John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.   “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.   And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,  nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.  You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.  “I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.  I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.  How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?  “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.  If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.  But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

What a very long speech to say that Jesus fulfils the law and what the prophets said and is only answerable to God the Father.  He is saying that accepting praise and elevated status from humans is of no importance to God, what God cares about is love for Him and the world.

It can be so hard to break out of the social obsession with fame and status; yet here we are reminded that it is of no importance to God, in fact it can get in the way of God.  Today therefore I commit to stop looking at my blog statistics, I blog because I feel called to, that is all God cares about.

Jesus we thank you for this huge speech you gave and for the truth you share with us.  Help us live it out in our lives.  Amen