Day 142
2 Samuel 1:1‐2:11; John 12:20‐50; Psalm 118:19‐29; Proverbs 15:27‐28
The Challenge of Free Will
“Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.” – John 12:37
In this section of the Gospel of John, Jesus has revealed Himself and given the crowd a reminder of His coming death. This is reinforced by a voice from heaven which those who was present heard. Even with this thunderous presence, there were those who would not believe. This was to fulfill the word of the prophet Isaiah as seen in verse 41. People in Jesus’ time, just as in Isaiah’s, would not believe despite the evidence. As a result, God hardened their hearts.
Does that mean that God intentionally prevented these people from believing in Him? No, He simply confirmed their own choice. God allows us the free will to resist Him. God also grants us the free will to choose Him. True love always has to have free will as part of the equation, but that free will invites a level of risk as well. The question for each of us is, “Who do you choose today?” Do you make choices based on the “praise of men” or for the “praise of God”? You’re free to choose… and free to reap the results of every choice.The
Rev. Jim Sorvillo Sr.