March 9, 2019
John 12:27-36 New Living Translation (NLT)
Today is the fourth day of our 40-Day Lenten Series, “Praying for a Kingdom Heart.” Lent should be a time of prayerful reflection, repentance, and restoration as we draw closer to the heart of God. A Kingdom heart is fashioned by a deep respect and gratitude for our Creator. God is Light and in him is no darkness. Christ is the Light we all need to fulfill the Father’s purpose; so we must connect to Christ. God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the Kingdom of his Son (Colossians 1:13). Therefore, we must also follow Christ. Be aware, we do not habitually practice what the Word calls sin; otherwise, we are living in the dominion of darkness.
If we are truly following Christ, we are living a life of continual confession of sin; even as children of the Light we still sin and need forgiveness. Selfishness and worldliness can gain the upper hand if we open the door with our flesh. Walking in the Light is walking in fellowship with God and loving others especially fellow believers. The Spirit of Truth convicts us when we have failed to love as God requires and our response should be repentance. If we confess our sin, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). True Christianity is about partaking of the ongoing cleansing blood of Jesus, as we recenter our hearts before him according to his Word.
In our passage, Jesus accepts the pain God allows to his flesh in order to fulfill the Father’s purpose. Many days we just want to handle the next task, seek fleshly pleasure, and certainly avoid pain to our flesh at all costs. When God cleanses us—does sin surgery—it is painful for a while, but it leaves room for Kingdom rewards. Therefore, the question before us today in light of this Word… “Will we invite the Light of the World to shine Truth upon any sin in our flesh, repent, and allow God to cleanse us, so we can continue our journey to become authentic children of Light?
During Lent, we will be using the acronym P.R.A.Y. as we pray for a Kingdom Heart. P=praise, R=repent, A=ask, and Y=yield. May God bless you as you spend time in God’s Word and in prayer today.
John 12:27-36
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
34 The crowd responded, “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. How can you say the Son of Man will die? Just who is this Son of Man, anyway?”
35 Jesus replied, “My light will shine for you just a little longer. Walk in the light while you can, so the darkness will not overtake you. Those who walk in the darkness cannot see where they are going. 36 Put your trust in the light while there is still time; then you will become children of the light.”
After saying these things, Jesus went away and was hidden from them.
Prayer: Lord, I praise you for being my Light. Thank you for bringing me Truth, so I may enjoy fellowship with you. I repent for the times I have cared more about my flesh than your Word; please forgive me. I ask for you to shine more Light in me; if there is any unconfessed sin within me, please bear witness to it and convict me through the Spirit. I desire to yield and bow to your Word. In Jesus’ name. Amen.