Thursday, February 21, 2013
John 8:54-55 Jesus replied, "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and keep his word."
JUDGING THE WORD
They wanted a sign, the Jews did, they wanted some outward thing that would amaze them, to prove that Jesus was who said He was. Even if He had given them that sign I'm not sure the Jews would have listened or believed. But Jesus point here is that the Jews claimed to worship God, they claimed to follow His word. What sign did they need? If they really followed God, all they needed to do was compare Christ's words with what the Scriptures say. If they really followed the Lord they would have recognized the Savior's words here as being from God. They needed no sign. They had the word. But because they did not treasure that word, since they did with it as they wanted, since they were more concerned with their own theological thoughts and pride than the truth of that word, they would not listen to Christ. The word of God was already among them but they had long ago turned from it. Thus when it comes in person it comes in judgment, for they would not accept the salvation that it brought.
But Jesus tells us His whole life was one of holding on to the word of God as the most precious treasure it is. I have kept, I have treasured, and I have loved the word. Yes it brings us condemnation as well. It tells us that we are sinners. When one begins to understand what the Word of God really has to say to you, you begin to see not just that you are a sinner, but that you are the worst sinner, that every thought of your heart is nothing but selfish. The word of God brings judgment, but then it brings salvation as well. You are a sinner and for that reason you casn be sure that Jesus died for you.
In the end it is not as important that we learn to judge ourselves as it is that we learn to judge God's word as something worth treasuring. It brings life and therefore it is something to be fiercely guarded. It tells us of our Savior and the forgiveness of sins. It gives life. As Jesus says, "whoever treasures my word will not see death."
