Devotion for November 17, 2024

“He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony.” (John 3:31–32)

Jesus Christ is the one “who descended from heaven” (3:13). As such, He is “above all” — Christ is sovereign over the universe in general, and the world of humanity in particular.

In the old covenant, “God … spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets” (Hebrews 1:1). But in the new covenant God “in these last days has spoken to us in His Son” (v. 2). Jesus’ teaching is superior to anyone else’s because His knowledge is not secondhand. He is the source of divine revelation. What “He has seen and heard” in the heavenly realm, “of that He testifies” with certainty.

Yet despite Jesus’ powerful, authoritative proclamation of the truth, “no one receives His testimony.” The world in general rejects Jesus and His teaching. The apostle John noted this in the Prologue to his gospel: “[Jesus] was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him” (1:9–11). Unbelievers willfully reject Jesus’ testimony to the truth because they are dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and blinded by Satan (2 Corinthians 4:4).

When there are so many situations in which we think we know best, not to mention so many other people who have their own judgments and opinions, how do we train ourselves to keep in mind that what God says is what’s true? When do you sense His authority challenged the most in your life?

Prayer

Lord, I ask You to be with me in all things. Help me to keep my thoughts and actions true to Your Word, and let what I say and do bring nothing but glory to Your Name.

Stay encouraged!

Pastor Mike

Pastor Bailey Avatar

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