Daily Devotions
Today’s Reading: John 6:25-51 & Psalm 71
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away. John 6:37
That’s a pretty straightforward and easily understood promise from our Lord, isn’t it? Christ promises that whoever comes…I will never drive away. His church—His fellowship—is not an exclusive gathering of people from any one race, economic status, or educational level.
In fact, some are shocked by the inclusiveness of Christ’s church. Mary Magdalene was an adulteress. Peter denied any relationship with Him. The thief on the cross had committed treason and murder. The leaders of organized religion of Christ’s day accused Him of welcoming sinners and eating with gluttons. His church looks more like a hospital than a health spa or country club.
The one requirement for entering Christ’s church? Come! Christ calls you to come. Most people gladly hear that, but they want God to accept them on the basis of what they’ve accomplished. Or, if they’ve done something wrong, they want God to excuse them—for someone else is to blame. If you think God accepts you because of what you’ve done, or excuses you because “it wasn’t your fault,” forget it! Likewise, forget it if you think you can’t come to Him because you’re too unworthy … or you need to “get it together” first … or you want to “put your house in order.” Don’t even think of entering a plea with God—other than the two-fold plea that He died for you and He wants you to come.
Coming to Christ means nothing more and nothing less than this: trust Him to be your Savior and Lord. It means simply and totally trusting in Him. Do not delay. Come!
Prayer
God most holy, who in love and mercy desires our salvation, fill us with Your Holy Spirit that we may answer swiftly and gladly the voice of Him who calls, and in all ways serve Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.
Response
Today, how can you live your life to its fullest in His Kingdom and to His glory?