Sunday 27th November
Read John 5:28-30
“‘Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice29 and come out – those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” (NIVUK)
It would be easy to be confused into thinking Jesus is contrasting a salvation by works (doing good and doing evil (v29)) with salvation by faith and allegiance to Him. But in John’s gospel doing good is coming to the light and believing in Him, whilst doing evil is loving and pursuing darkness. Those who do good are those who come to God and have their deeds revealed as wrought in and by Him.
The key is to listen to His voice. It is the same command given by Moses to Israel before they entered the promised land. “If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands that I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth. 2 All these blessings will come on you and accompany you if you obey the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 28:1-2) (NIVUK). The phrase translated ‘fully obey’ is literally ‘listen and listen’. Listen so closely to His voice such that when He speaks, you respond, and are vindicated with the promised blessings and life. Those who are spiritually dead will hear this powerful voice, rise up, and live.
After all, the great Judge of the earth judges only as He hears too (v30). It is the true pattern for life!
So listen closely and live.
