What Happens When We Reject Jesus?

Wednesday 15^th May, 2019. Read Acts 12:24-13:5, Psalm 67 and John 12:44-50

_*“If anyone hears my sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” (John 12:47-48)*_ 

One of the most popular verses in the Bible is John 3:16-17 which states: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, NOT TO CONDEMN the world, but that the world might be saved through him.”

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is saying: “I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.” This attitude of Jesus is what is contained in the parable of the prodigal son, the lost coin and the lost sheep. God does not take delight in seeing the sinner perish but nothing brings Him as much joy as seeing the sinner repent.

Now, the question is: “Since Jesus did not come to condemn us, are we free to do whatever we so desire?” The answer to this question is found in the next line: “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge; the word that I have spoken will be his judge on the last day.” (John 12:48).

In other words, whether we like it or not, we cannot escape judgement. Jesus is saying that His very words will be our judge on the last day. That is to say, if we choose to remain in sin despite knowing the words of Jesus, we would have no excuse but to face the consequences of our actions. We must strive daily to hear the words of Jesus and put them to practice in our lives.

The early Christian community gives us a practical example of what it means to hear from Jesus. We are told that they were so devoted in their worship that on one occasion, while fasting and praying, they heard the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to them asking them to set apart Barnabas and Saul for the missions.

Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. We are free to make our daily choices in life but we are never free from the consequences. The words of Jesus as contained in the Bible will be our judge. Finally, we must remain ever devoted in prayer so that like the Apostles, we may be visited and inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, set me on fire to proclaim your word to the world. Amen

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Wednesday of the 4^th Week of Easter. Bible Study: Acts 12:24-13:5, Psalm 67 and John 12:44-50).