Week 15: Wednesday

In his conversation with Nicodemus, rabbi and member of the Jewish ruling Council called the Sanhedrin, Jesus explains the origins of true faith and the Kingdom of God. Without being born again from the Holy Spirit, one could neither see nor enter into the Kingdom of God. Salvation is entirely from the triune God alone. God the Father so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son so that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. The Father’s love, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Spirit’s impartation of life comprise the salvation of our triune God for us.

Jesus is clear: we cannot, by natural and fleshly effort, enter the Kingdom of God. We cannot make ourselves alive to God, we cannot walk with him on our own. He must create life in us, and he must lead us by his Spirit.

Forgive us, Father, for relying on our own efforts where only your work will suffice.

Wednesday: 1 Chron. 9.35-39; 1 Sam. 13-14

The primary focus of Hebrews is on the perfect worship that Jesus offers to the Father in his life, death, and heavenly exaltation. On the basis of his high-priestly work, however, Christians themselves can draw near to God and serve him in a way that fulfils the promises of the new covenant.

~ David G. Peterson, Engaging with God: A Biblical Theology of Worship. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1992. p. 238.

Let God Arise! Seasonal Focus
Jesus, the Light of the World, John 9.1-41

Book Reading
Peterson, Engaging with God