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[expand title=”Devotion Text”]John 7:1-5
After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
For even his own brothers did not believe in him. That statement astounds me. Can you imagine growing up with Jesus and not believing in Him? Listen to His brothers’ sarcasm: “Go to the big city to do Your big works. A public figure as popular as You doesn’t lay low. If You are who You say You are, make Yourself known.”
For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Let me write specifically to those who have unbelieving family. Some of you are beating yourself up over the fact that your spouse, siblings, children, or friends have not come to Christ. You reason that demonstrating the presence and power of Christ should cause them to believe. You feel that you are doing or saying something wrong. You ask yourself, “Why isn’t my life attracting them to Jesus?” I appreciate your passion for seeing loved ones and friends come to Christ. I know you want that desperately. But . . . please . . . stop beating yourself up.
For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Come to grips with the fact that you cannot cause a person’s heart to change. Jesus said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44). Honor God with your life, keep sharing the gospel and pray for God to do His work in the life of your loved one. The Father must do the “drawing.” Leave His work to Him!
Father, we desperately want to see family and friends trust in Jesus and live a life that pleases You. We are willing instruments to be used by You in the process. We confess that no one will come to Jesus unless You draw them. We ask that You do Your work in their lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
[/expand]Read through the Bible this year:
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