Sunrise
November, 4 - Daily Devotions
November Scripture Portion for Bible Commentary : Luke 23 - I Corinthians 10, including the books of John, Acts, and Romans
Chapter 5 contains the miracle of the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda. We again see the Saviour's compassion in these verses. We also see the grace of God at work, as Jesus healed this man who had suffered for 38 years with an infirmity. "Bethesda" means "house of grace," and this is what it became for that man. What does "grace" mean? It means unmerited favor; kindness to those who are undeserving. This man was no more deserving than the others, but God chose him. This is a beautiful picture of salvation. How it should humble us to know that we are also chosen by Him; not because of our own merit (Ephesians 1:4), but because He loved us. We should also note that Christ became the Lord, as well as the Saviour, of the man He healed. Christ is Lord because His Word is obeyed. The healed man obeyed Christ in every respect.
Christ not only wants to save us; He also wants to direct our lives. Too many Christians recognize Christ as Saviour, but not as Lord of their lives. The confession of our lips is so important after we have been saved (Romans 10:9). We must surrender our lives completely to Him and make Him Lord of all, in order for us to have a successful and happy Christian life.
Chapter 6 records the feeding of the 5,000. This miracle illustrates the cooperation between man and God in bringing salvation to lost people. Christ took the bread, blessed it, and gave it to His disciples. They, in turn, gave it to the crowd. While salvation is all of the Lord and all of grace, He still uses human instruments to take the Gospel message to men. Romans 10:14 asks the question, "...and how shall they hear without a preacher?" In a very real sense, Christ has no hands but our hands to feed the Bread of Life to hungry souls. If we will give Him our all, as the little lad did, He will take it, break it, bless it, and use it to bless others.
Verses 32-40 tell us that Jesus is the Bread of Life. In order to receive this Bread, we must come and take it. It is free, not only to the Jew, but to the entire world, and it gives eternal life.
Note especially John 6:37, "All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out." God promises that He will not cast out anyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith. Titus 1:2 tells us that God cannot lie. These are great promises of a sinless God, who gave His sinless Son, to save a sinful world. Have you come to partake of the Bread of Life? Have you drunk from the fountain that shall never run dry? If not, then today is the day you should come to Him. God promises that you will not be turned away.
