A Personal Word
Scripture – John 12:44-50: Then Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. “As for the person who hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge him. For I did not come to judge the world, but to save it. 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. 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.”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In today’s world, speaking about God has become quite acceptable – even expected in many political settings. But to speak about Christ is offensive to many people. For me, the two are interchangeable. That is, whether I say “God” or “Christ,” I’m usually referring to the same essential Being. Jesus makes it clear here that the two are one in the same. One of the things Jesus gives me is a personal way to picture and understand God. Maybe that’s why His name is so offensive in our culture. “God” is sort of a generic word many people use to refer to anything they want. “Jesus Christ” is personal and clearly indicates a specific faith perspective. How can I bring His name into normal conversations in a natural way?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I am hesitant to do that. The more general the conversation the safer it is for me. I will use the name of Christ along with or in place of “God” in personal conversations this week. I will be intentional about that, and see what happens.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please show me how to be faithful to your name in my talking. Teach me to speak with authenticity and sensitivity as I bring you into natural conversations. Give me wisdom and boldness as needed in that. Thanks!
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In today’s world, speaking about God has become quite acceptable – even expected in many political settings. But to speak about Christ is offensive to many people. For me, the two are interchangeable. That is, whether I say “God” or “Christ,” I’m usually referring to the same essential Being. Jesus makes it clear here that the two are one in the same. One of the things Jesus gives me is a personal way to picture and understand God. Maybe that’s why His name is so offensive in our culture. “God” is sort of a generic word many people use to refer to anything they want. “Jesus Christ” is personal and clearly indicates a specific faith perspective. How can I bring His name into normal conversations in a natural way?
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I am hesitant to do that. The more general the conversation the safer it is for me. I will use the name of Christ along with or in place of “God” in personal conversations this week. I will be intentional about that, and see what happens.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please show me how to be faithful to your name in my talking. Teach me to speak with authenticity and sensitivity as I bring you into natural conversations. Give me wisdom and boldness as needed in that. Thanks!
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