SCRIPTURE: John 12:27-36
“Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out.” (John 12:31)
When Satan tempted Jesus (Luke 4:5-6), he claimed he was given authority over this world.
And yet we know Adam and Eve were originally given authority (Genesis 1:26-28).
Who made Satan prince of this world… we did, when we gave in to his lies.
As a result, we are slaves to sin and Satan, and cursed with misery and death.
When Jesus arrives, He goes through the same customary tempting as all humans do.
But He refuses to sin, to submit to Satan’s lies; He stays true to God.
Finally a Son of Adam/Son of God (Luke 3:38) has arrived who can rightfully claim the throne.
Jesus is about to accept the judgment of sin (death, Genesis 2:17) that we were warned about.
By overcoming death, He overcomes the prince who enslaves us.
Finally, God’s kingdom is established, and God’s name is glorified through a Son of Adam.
Anyone who chooses the king over the prince, becomes a part of God’s kingdom.
With Jesus, we see what kingdom living (living in the light) looks like.
As restored children of Adam/children of God, we are called to live “like God” in the the world.
Jesus is our Leader, we walk in His Light, we accept His Life.
The path of following Jesus may be difficult (many people still choose the prince).
But this is why we are here, and we trust God to glorify His Name through us, whatever happens.
Who am I serving with my life – the glorified King or the disgraced prince?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, remind me who I am, and why I am here. May my life story – no matter how hard – glorify Your Name, for this is why I am here.
Observation/Application
At all times, Jesus talked with the Father. And the Father heard Him and yet did not lift the way of the cross but empowered Jesus to walk the Way of the cross so that His followers could also walk in the Light. God was present all the way – t the baptism, in the Garden and now. Empowering. Overcoming the opposition. Enabling to walk where He knew He would die to restore mankind.
Follow the leader.
I am not my own but belong to Him.
He is my Guardian and Guide.
I must LightShine His Light in my life.
All of my life I must serve the living God in all areas of life and in all circumstances.
I am a conqueror because He is the Victor.
He has opened the way by making His LightShine and I may/must do the same.
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine.
This little light of mine
I’m going to let it shine.-
Let it shine, let it shine
Let it shine.
– Hide it under a bushel, NO!
– Shine all over (your town)
– Don’t let Satan blow it out
– Let it shine ’til Jesus comes