JOHN 5:31-40 BELIEVING IS SEEING

31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.

33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 “I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

Jesus does not need any testimony to prove that he is who he says he is, but we need to be assured because we are otherwise unable to recognize him through our chronic rationalization and self-centered attitudes. As fallen human beings our memories of God are so compromised that we are like a man who cannot find his way home unless someone posts signs to direct him. The placing of those signs in our lives is the loving and merciful initiative of our eternal Father.

Most people appear to have missed the signs entirely. For some it is due to the continuation of the deception in the Garden. These people merely factor God out of the equation of how the world works. Others are so focused on their own desires and tasks that they never look up long enough to even notice the signs. Another group of people see the signs, but the message does not fit their expectations or desires so they disregard the guidance provided. On the other hand, there are those who recognize that there is a message in the signs, but spend their energy studying the signs and trying to conform their lives to the signs with the result that they miss the One to whom the signs are pointing.

This side of the grave we will always be plagued by doubts. Only when we are willing to be guided by the Holy Spirit will we be open to recognizing the signs and the direction they give us. Knowing God by faith is the gift we have been given by God. It is a gift because through faith we are able to actively participate in our relationship with the Father, whereas if our knowledge of God were compelled we would have no chance to truly love him. In other words, God risks rejection so that we might have the experience of loving him.

Thank you, Father, for the loving kindness you have shown me by providing evidence of who you are. Thank you for allowing me to have the choice to acknowledge you, so that I might experience a true love of you and be restored to an eternal relationship with you. Amen.