Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.
John 5:14-15
Lord Jesus, I see the healed man in this passage so different this morning. When challenged about violating one of the Sabbath rules, he said it is not my fault, it was the Jesus’. And after Jesus challenges him to go and sin no more, he immediately went and told those who challenged him that it was Jesus. Why would he do that? I contrast his response to that of the man in John 9, who, when engaged by Jesus a second time, ends in worshipping Him!
Lord, my heart is sensitive to how I can betray You. It is easy for me to be like Peter and declare that I will never do it. Yet, like him, I have no idea of the pressure that I might feel in the moment, and my spirit is not always in tune with all of the subtleties of my sin nature. And then, when the pressure gets on, I can get scared and not fully own You. This can happen on the job, in school, or even in the grocery store. Afraid and embarrassed, I put my faith “under wraps” not to bring attention to myself. Have mercy!
Therefore, today I ask that You would grant me Your discernment and self awareness. Let me see where my heart truly is in the moment and how my thoughts and emotions can negatively influence how I respond to others about You. May I never betray You or Your trust, but instead stand like a light pointing others to You, lifting You up, whatever the consequences may be.
I am so glad today that I am Yours, and that You love me in spite of my waffling. Help me daily to become more sure-footed and more bold regarding my faith, love and commitment to You. Use me as You see fit. Lord Jesus, I’m all in to Your glory! Amen!