Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life,
but whoever rejects the Son will not see life,
for God’s wrath remains on him.
John 3:36
Everyone human being falls into one of two camps:
- Believer
- Non-believer
Some might say, “I haven’t rejected Jesus – I just don’t believe in Him.” But by default, refusing to accept is equivalent to rejecting Him. There is no middle ground.
Choosing not to choose is a choice in itself. And, like everything in life, choices bring consequences.
Age has a way of humbling us and providing wisdom that can only come from experience. I remember hearing a story once about a young manager in an organization seeking counsel from an older, successful manager. “What is the secret to success?” he asked. The wise older man responded, “Good decisions.” The young man nodded agreement. Then, furrowing his brow, he asked, “How do I learn to make good decisions?” The older man then answered, “Poor decisions.”
If you’ve lived more than a handful of minutes on this planet, you’ve learned that poor decisions indeed bring consequences. And, if you have a teachable spirit, those consequences prompt better decisions in the future.
But of all the decisions we make (education, career, housing, spouse, and a myriad of others), none carries a greater impact than our decision to believe Jesus. This decision alone impacts us for eternity.
Do you believe Jesus? Are you sure you believe Jesus? If there is any doubt, make that decision NOW. Do not wait!
The choice is simple, but profound. It takes but a moment, but changes eternity. Use your own words or use this prayer as a guide:
God Almighty, if you are there, if you are listening, if you are care,
I am finally ready to cry “uncle.”
I am ready to yield my life to You.
I am a mess. I have made a mess.
All my striving has come to nothing.
My motivations are rooted in pride.
I have rebelled against You.
But today is my line in the sand.
Enough.
I’m tired of trying and weary of running.
I believe you exist.
I believe You are the Son of God!
I believe the unbelievable
– that you love me and actually died for me.
You paid my bill, the debt I owe for my sin and rebellion.
Because you died for me, I want to begin now to live for you.
Help me live for you.
I’m sliding over to the passenger seat now and letting you take the wheel of my life.
Please drive.
It’s simultaneously frightening and freeing
to take this step of faith and let you be in charge.
I love you, Jesus.
Today is the day.
Thank you for keeping me alive to reach this day.
Thank you for every hard thing that you have allowed into my life.
Looking back, I see now that nothing was wasted.
You used every bit of it to bring me down so I could look up to You.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for giving me hope and a future.
Amen.
We’ve completed our time in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah and this week’s teaching video marks the beginning of a new 4-week study in the 17th chapter of John. Before examining the last words of Jesus recorded in His prayer in John 17, we back up a few chapters this week and review a summary of His last words in John 13-16.
A lot happened on that Thursday before the Friday crucifixion of our Lord.
Last words are powerful and impactful. Let’s consider those released by Jesus in His last few hours on this planet. We invite you to listen to Laura’s Intro Teaching Lecture for John 17. Free copies of the study guide are available for download here.
