Reflecting on John 12:47-50“There is a judge for the one who rejects me and does not accept my words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day.” (John 12:48)
Jesus came to proclaim the glorious goodness of God’s Name: LOVE!
“The compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” (Exodus 34:6-7)
This is what Jesus taught, this is what Jesus lived.
This is not judgment, this is extreme and radical love.
But even that revelation has consequences for those who reject this love (Exodus 34:7b).
If people refuse love and choose hate, cruelty, violence, etc., they will be judged.
Not because God is not merciful, but because they have refused mercy.
We live in the reign of Jesus, when mercy reigns… but a day is coming.
The criteria for judgment is love: whether people aim for love or not.
They do not need to know Jesus or the Law to do this (Romans 2:14-16).
Not all who know Jesus choose love; not all who do not know Jesus refuse love.
I know people who have rejected Christianity BECAUSE they did not find love there.
Those who leave their faith for love or justice’s sake ARE choosing Jesus.
Jesus’s message of love is what will ultimately vindicate or condemn us!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, there is no room for hate, cruelty or violence in God's kingdom. Those who cling to it will one day realize that there is no room for them if they refuse to accept love. May this time of mercy be enough to convict and convince them that Your love is the way, the truth and the life!
Love, love, love, love,
The gospel in one word is love.
Love your neighbour as yourself.
Love, love, love.
Christ, Christ, Christ, Christ.
The gospel in one word is Christ.
Love Him, serve Him, and adore Him.
Christ. Christ. Christ.