John 8:42

Jesus responds to the diatribe. “If God were indeed your father, as you claim, you would love me, not hate me. After all, I come from and find my source of power and inspiration in God. Remember, I am not here on my own—He sent me here!” John 8:42 EFP 

I have to wonder how many different ways Jesus has to say the same thing to his opponents before they get it. I sense he is not even saying these things for the sake of the ones already committed to his death, but to the ones listening, including his disciples who would in time recall these words and place them on parchment under the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

In fact, Jesus is talking to me today, even if his words are over two millennia old. He is challenging my divided allegiance. He is chipping away at my split resolve. He is unmasking my inconsistencies and revealing their ultimate outcome. I either love Jesus or in the end I will hate him. I either choose to follow him, with the inevitable lapses and tragic moments of betrayal, or eventually become vitriolic in my opposition. I cannot ride the fence forever. I must cast my lot for God. I am thankful I am not what I used to be, although I am not all that I ought to be. But my heart is set in Christ—and I will not be moved from him.