John 5: 19 - 29
I confess that I find listening to talk of final judgement, heaven and hell, who is going where, often very disturbing and difficult. But, here is good news - it is not up to me to decide!! This is entirely God’s role - and here Jesus says that God the Father has given Him the authority to grant life and to make judgements.
I really like Peterson’s translation (The Message): “Neither he nor the Father shuts anyone out.”
I am reminded too of how I have seen Jesus act. When a woman was brought to him for judgement (stoning?), he refused to condemn her; rather, he forgave her and challenged her to go and sin no more. I am encouraged to know that he says the same to me: “I forgive you. Do better next time.”
Looking at the beginning of the passage, I see that Jesus behaves this way because that is how God behaves. He says he copies what he sees his Father doing. So, this suggests that God too is not interested in condemning, but in loving, forgiving and challenging, longing for us to grow more like Him. For that I am so thankful, and can only respond with thanks, praise and love.
Blessings
-Ann Kelland
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