1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes)
2) Scripture Reading: John 12:37-43
37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
“Lord, who has believed our message37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:
40 “He has blinded their eyes
and deadened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them.”
41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.
42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
3) Devotional:
Here we see the Jews continue in their unbelief. No matter what they saw, they still would not believe in Jesus. But for those that did believe could not say it publicly because they didn't want to face any consequences if they expressed their belief in Jesus Christ. I think verses 42 & 43 are a challenge to many of us. It's hard to express truth in situations where you don't want to offend someone. You may think your faith may cause division in relationships you have with others. I think our minds tend to hijack when we are faced with situations where you have the opportunity to express your faith. Our minds play out a whole scenario of "if I say this then so-and-so will say that and then things will get awkward and our time together will be ruined". Does that ever happen to you? Don't let your mind take you places that are far from reality. Think on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Phil. 4:8). If you are in a situation where you believe your faith will be opposed, bathe that relationship in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance in words and for your thoughts to be focused on Christ and what he brings to us - an abundant life.
Here we see the Jews continue in their unbelief. No matter what they saw, they still would not believe in Jesus. But for those that did believe could not say it publicly because they didn't want to face any consequences if they expressed their belief in Jesus Christ. I think verses 42 & 43 are a challenge to many of us. It's hard to express truth in situations where you don't want to offend someone. You may think your faith may cause division in relationships you have with others. I think our minds tend to hijack when we are faced with situations where you have the opportunity to express your faith. Our minds play out a whole scenario of "if I say this then so-and-so will say that and then things will get awkward and our time together will be ruined". Does that ever happen to you? Don't let your mind take you places that are far from reality. Think on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Phil. 4:8). If you are in a situation where you believe your faith will be opposed, bathe that relationship in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you guidance in words and for your thoughts to be focused on Christ and what he brings to us - an abundant life.
4) Questions to Consider:
What relationships do you need to bathe in prayer? What "scenarios of your mind" need to be thrown out so that your mind can focus on God's truth?
What relationships do you need to bathe in prayer? What "scenarios of your mind" need to be thrown out so that your mind can focus on God's truth?
5) Prayer: Lord Jesus, help take captive of thoughts that aren't of you or aren't pleasing to you. Break free the binds of my unbelief in situations where I am scared to speak freely of my faith. Help me to express my love for you to others no matter what. I want to please you and honor you and bring glory to Your name. Amen.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
