A Shocking LovePrøve

To Know Jesus is to Know the Father What is it that keeps people trusting in Jesus, a first-century, Jewish peasant, for the deep meaning and purpose of their lives? Is it easier to believe all this stuff if you were taught it as a kid? Historically, and even currently, the answer is no. It's not indoctrination before critical thinking that keeps people trusting in Jesus. It’s the simple truth that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14). When people open their hearts to recognize the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and to accept Jesus as their own Savior, they are forever changed. Contrary to common misperceptions, God is not an angry dictator to answer to. Neither is He a philosophy to be mastered or a zen-like state to reach through enlightenment. God is Father. And the only entrance requirement to enjoy a relationship with Him is through repentance and acceptance of the love and forgiveness He freely offers us. The simplicity of this resonates within every sort of person and every sort of culture, in every class, and on every continent throughout history. The shocking, expectation-defying, shame-bearing love of the Father is still gripping the hearts of men and women across the globe. Do you remember when Jesus first gripped your own heart? He taught His disciples that whoever has seen Him has seen the Father. To know Jesus is to know the Father. Accepting that Jesus took on humanity, suffered, died, and was resurrected so that you could have a relationship with the Father is the only way to receive the Father’s love. You are His beloved child! The Father’s personal presence through the Holy Spirit is with you even now. Before you hurry on from this moment, ask Him to empower you to grow and know His love more deeply. Reflection: What steps do you take to grow into a relationship with people you love? How can you intentionally grow in your relationship with God as your Father? Prayer: "Father, I want to grow in relationship with You. Help me to be confident in Your love for me so that I will stop allowing misconceptions and insecurities to keep me from coming to You. When patterns of doubt, self-reliance, and fear resurface- draw me back to You quickly. With each passing day of my life, may I know You better and experience Your shocking love in greater measure." This reading plan is adapted from "I Write to You Children" which can be listened to at https://lumo.onl/iwtyc.