IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 19:21

First, do you love Him (16-22). Jesus' words sometimes seem hard: "Do you love Me more than these?" (Jn 21:15) We were created to love Him above all else. Only in this way can we be truly fulfilled. Jesus is drawing this young man to Himself by creating a conflict in his heart that will eventually turn into a "pearl of great price" - faith. his identity as a law-abiding, religious Jew, though strongly held and deeply sincere, must be broken down so this young man can become like a child and experience a genuine relationship with God.

Second, all things are possible with God (23-30). God said to Job "look at every proud man and humble him ... then I myself will admit ... your own right hand can save you." (Job 40:12,14) It is impossible for man to humble himself, or others. Only God is able to humble the proud. Though we be ever so sincere, still our proud hearts must be humbled to realize our true state as sinners before God, totally dependent on his mercy. Only then can we experience God's wonderful, amazing grace of salvation. Great peace will come of it - the "peaceable fruit of righteousness" (Heb 12:11).

Prayer: Lord, grant me the grace to hear 'hard' words from you, that I may learn complete humility and total dependence based on a love for you far greater than my love for anything or anyone else.

One Word: Swallow the bitter pill - hear God's 'hard' words - and be saved.