Have Life In His Name
Scripture Passage: John 20:30-31 (NASB)
30 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
SUMMARY
Some of the signs Jesus preformed in the presence of the disciples were written in the book of John. They were recorded to help others also believe in Him as the Messiah and Christ, so that they could have eternal life.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
I was intrigued by the phrase “many other signs” (v. 30) that was also included in this text. I wonder what those signs are and how awesome they must have been. Yet, even though those other signs Jesus performed were wonderful and life changing for those who saw and experienced them, they were purposefully left out of this book. God knew that what was recorded in the book of John was what we need to know about His character, behavior and actions during His life here on Earth. He included and excluded other signs for a reason, because He knew that the specific ones that He mentioned in this book would help us believe in Him.
In the same way, I wonder why God gives me some things and not others in my own life. God has a story written for each of us and each one is different. I don’t have to compare or feel lacking, because He knows exactly what I need in my own life to believe in Him and have true life through knowing Jesus Christ. Instead of focusing on what is “not written” in my book, or perhaps “not yet written,” I should pray for what I need to believe in Him. God only included what was necessary so that those who read what is written “may believe that Jesus is the Christ.” I pray that I will not desire extra things, but desire what is needed, which is to keep the things in my life that help me believe in Jesus even more.
APPLICATION
There are so many sides to Jesus and so many of his actions that we still have to discover through reading the Bible and by seeing Him in action in our own lives. When I was reading the verses, I realized there was a pattern of “written,” “belief,” and “life.” God has already done the work. He has “written” our stories and died on the Cross for us and provided Salvation. However, it is our choice whether or not we take what He has done and believe in Him, leading to everlasting life. Sometimes I think belief is not enough, but believing is the starting point for true life.
PRAYER
Dear God, thank You for writing my story for me and giving me all that I have, and all that I don’t have. Help me to be thankful for everything You have provided for me and to see even what I “don’t have” as a blessing. You knew exactly what I needed in order to have a fulfilling life in Your name and that true life is only through knowing Jesus Christ. It’s not necessarily what I desire and obtain that makes my life great, but by You giving us what is needed to know You more. Help me to continue believing in You and that I will see more of Jesus in my life each day. Amen!
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