Imagine you were one of the women followers of Jesus during his three-year ministry on earth. What would it be like as you heard his teachings, walked by his side, and watched his ministry?
Dear sister,
In the last letter, I wrote of how Jesus told us that if we believe in him that we will have eternal life. Today, he again spoke of this only he added one more important element. “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). Sister, it is so important that you join with me in believing the words of Jesus. We know that we are sinful and deserving of the punishment of God. That is why we offer sacrifices to the priest. But Jesus is telling us that it is not the sacrifices of animals that he wants, but rather faith in him being the Son of God.
Somehow as we trust in him, the wrath of God will not fall upon us. In fact, the exact opposite will happen. We will receive eternal life.
These are like the words we know that God spoke to our father Abraham in the Torah. “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). We must believe in God’s promises. Jesus our Messiah tells us that this belief, not animal sacrifices, removes the wrath of God from us. King David also spoke of this. “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17). Oh sister, my greatest desire is that you and I will continue to humble ourselves before God that we might experience more of Him. May David’s prayer be ours as well: “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalm 62:2).
Sister, the disciples and I traveled to the Judean countryside and had some focused time with Jesus. During this time, he was baptizing many who came to him. We were not far from John the Baptist who was also baptizing people. As many were coming to Jesus rather than John, some of the disciples wondered if this would bother John. I was so touched by his humble response. “I am not the Christ, but am sent ahead of him. 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. He must become greater; I must become less.” Sister, please pray for me to have this kind of humility. I too want to become less and allow God to become greater. May He shine through my life and be glorified.
Jesus’ love is so real and personal that I feel like the bride and he is my Bridegroom.
Sister, invite him to be your Bridegroom as well.
Experiencing the love of Christ,
your Big Sister
Today’s Bible Reading: Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 51: 16-17, Psalm 62:2; John 3:22-36.
Today’s Application:
What God wants more than anything is our heart to be humble before Him. When we depend on our works to bring us eternal life, we are pridefully giving ourselves credit for our salvation. Salvation comes from Him alone, not due to our merit, but by His grace. It is an undeserved gift. Our works are to come as a response to our gratitude to God for our salvation. Humble yourself before God and acknowledge that if not for Jesus, you would have to incur the wrath of God. Praise Him for His mercy and your salvation.
As an overflow of your gratitude to God, ask Him how you can serve Him today. How is He calling you today to bring honor and glory to His name? How can you be less and make Him more?