Life Spark: Follow directions to arrive at a better life. (John 12:48-50)
“For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say.” (John 12:49-50, NIV)
Jesus followed directions given by His Father. The Father directed Him to give us directions.
Like most men, I’m not good at asking for directions, and even worse at following instruction. However, I recently followed directions and carefully assembled an insulated metal dog kennel, rivets and all. I slowed myself down, took time to absorb the directions, and ended up with a deep inner satisfaction and two happy dogs. Following instructions takes focus, commitment and patience, but it yields good rewards.
“And I know his instructions lead to eternal life; so whatever he tells me to say, I say!” (John 12:50, TLB) Get that? Jesus said what He said, and did what He did, so He could point the way to deep, unending life. You and I can end up there IF we follow directions. If we don’t, God’s instructions themselves will come back and bite us in the butt or condemn us.
“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; that very word which I spoke will condemn him at the last day.” (John 12:48, NIV)
Jesus: “I gave you clear directions to life (through my words and deeds), but if you don’t follow the directions, you’ll end up at a dead end.”
Bummer!
Life-question: Do you believe that every word Jesus spoke ‘leads to eternal life?’ If so, does that affect how you read the Bible and how often you read the Bible?