John 3:22-36 – After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” 31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.
“The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony.” It is astounding to me how proud the un-redeemed can be, and even more so, how shamefully proud we can be. Shameful is the pride of the one who would doubt God’s motivation, His goodness, or His knowledge and wisdom. Once an unbeliever (who thought himself wise) and enjoyed attacking the faith of Believers, told me that He thought God had wrongly treated Job. I admit, his grotesque hubris deeply shocked me, which may have been his intention. To me the thought that someone would consider himself worthy to challenge God in such a way was startling. What would make this non-believer think that he had the intellect or wisdom to challenge God? His pride blinded him. Okay, I was somewhat naïve at the time. His statement set me back for a moment. Do you know what is worse than his statement is when self-professing Christians will listen to such a person spew such trash and even consider if the statement is true. How could believers “who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age,” who personally and deeply know and love God listen to such an egotist and consider such blather? If someone expressed the thought that my wife hated her granddaughters I would immediately and completely reject the statement as error and an evil thing to say. I would not be pleased with anyone who said such a thing. Even more so, how could one who loves Christ entertain such a challenge to the goodness of God? If we shall rise to defend the honor of anyone, should not Jesus be the first and foremost of whom we would do so? Why entertain trash? We must witness to everyone but we have no need to entertain the profane. Live your faith received through the Spirit and the Word, and block devilish lies from entering your thoughts. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.”
Worldly people want to talk about the things of the world. It is what they were born into, raised in, studied and enjoyed. But we, by the might of Jesus Himself, have been plucked from the way of the world to think and live as the beloved of God. Unbelievers think and live out the errant ways of the world. It’s all they know. (1 John 2:15) But Jesus is the Son of God who has forever been and will forever be with God. He came to earth from Heaven and so what He speaks about is the place and the ones He came from. Most immigrants have fond memories from their homeland. With a faraway look on their face they talk about their country and the people there that they love. How much more so did Jesus do when speaking of the Father and Heaven! Oh to have seen the look in His eyes as He spoke of these things, not from knowledge from men or their books, but from loving memories and firsthand knowledge. Oh to have watched His eyes and heard His voice. Yet, as some do, we can and do see in the Spirit. Praise God! Jesus spoke about eternal matters bearing eternal blessings. Hear and learn from Him and reject proud and foolish talk. How sad it is for all those who refuse to listen to Him and to obey.
“Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.” Jesus came speaking the message of God to us. He quoted scriptures to reveal who He was. He did signs to reveal the Messiah was here. What He said and what He did were what the Father sent Him to say and do. So to refuse what Jesus said and did is to refuse God the Father. To blaspheme Jesus is to blaspheme God. To blaspheme Jesus and the Father reveals an errant heart. For such as these Jesus died to save. But this person must become humble, repent, and obey or that person will eternally be perished. (1 Corinthians 1:18, John 3:36)
“The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” We love our children. If someone hates them they cannot be our friends. But those who love our children also show that they love us. To hate Jesus is to remain under the curse and those under the curse cannot know God. Not for nothing is it written “Kiss His son, or He will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for His wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 2:12) Yes, in gratitude bow before the Son and in doing so, God Himself is bowed to. Give glory to God and live eternally. Praise God because we love Him. Yes, give glory and honor to God! Praise God!
Psalm 150:6 – Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!
Micah 7:7 – But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will Hear me.
Micah 6:8 – He has shown you, Oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Numbers 6:24-26 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.