SOAP Devotional 2014-06-26
Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer
Scripture:
And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross —not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. So we have these three witnesses — the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. (1 John 5:6-10 NLT)
Observation:
Jesus was proven to be the Son of God and the Christ in so many ways. When He was baptized in water, both John the Baptist and our heavenly Father testified as to who He was. As He died on the cross and rose from the dead, His blood confirmed who He was. The Holy Spirit reveals who He is in the heart of the believers. So we have these three great witnesses that agree, the Spirit, the water, and the blood. Since we believe in the testimonies we receive from people, certainly we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All true believers in Christ know in their hearts that these testimonies are the truth. Those who do not believe what God is testifying to about His Son are actually calling God, himself, a liar.
Application:
We have, as believers, proof of Jesus in so many ways. Although we accept by faith the written testimonies that are revealed in His Word, we also have the testimony of God through the Spirit telling us these things are true. To deny this voice within would require us to basically call God a liar. Confirmation abounds. We have more written history about Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection than about any other person who lived. What he taught about how we should live has been proven to be to be right by both Christians and non-Christians. We need to listen to Him from with I knowing that there is coming a day when everyone will confess that He is Lord. Either here in this life and gain eternal life or after death before gaining eternal punishment.
Prayer:
Father, I am so thankful that you sent your Son, Jesus. I believe the testimony of the water, blood, and the Spirit. Your testimony is far greater than that of any who deny you. I know in my heart that your testimony is true.