GIFT

Day 25 - Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Scripture

John 10:22-29

Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Comments & Reflections

As a pastor, I frequently encounter people who are extremely worried about the salvation of a loved one who no longer believes and/or practices their faith. “Will they go to heaven?” I am asked. In response, I always point to these words of Jesus: “No one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.”

Granted, this topic deserves way more discussion than a daily devo can provide. However, I will say this much on it. If the authenticity of the gift of salvation depends on certain outcomes in the recipient, doesn’t it then become a conditional gift? And if it is a conditional gift, can the giver then take it back if the recipient doesn’t use it properly or continually? And if the recipient can lose the gift because of misbehavior or neglect, does it really deserve to be called a gift? The lawyer in me would say “loan” or “lease” might be better terminology.

I’ve always been taught (and firmly believe) that we receive an unconditional gift when we receive the grace of Christ. Once accepted, all the “benefits” of the covenant go with it, and it can never be retracted. In other words, it cannot be “snatched away.” Like ever.

We receive the gift and have the freedom to do what we will with it. We can flourish in it, or we can flush it down the toilet. But it is, and always will be, ours. And if that sounds a bit unfair, it is exactly the point. Because in reality, if salvation was fair, NO ONE would get it. It is no stretch of the truth to say that salvation is the most unfair gift in the history of humanity. And yet there it is for the taking. Jesus has told us plainly. If we don’t believe it, than what more can he do?

Go into this day knowing the security we have in the promise of Jesus. It won’t be taken from us, or anyone who has received it. So why not use it to the fullest?

Prayer

Jesus, thank you for the free gift of your love and grace. A gift we never lose. Show us how we can live into this never ending gift. Amen.