This Is the Messiah

The Sovereignty of God
The Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega

John 7:37-44  The Message

^37-39 On the final and climactic day of the Feast, Jesus took his stand. He cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.” (He said this in regard to the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)
^40-44 Those in the crowd who heard these words were saying, “This has to be the Prophet.” Others said, “He is the Messiah!” But others were saying, “The Messiah doesn’t come from Galilee, does he? Don’t the Scriptures tell us that the Messiah comes from David’s line and from Bethlehem, David’s village?” So there was a split in the crowd over him. Some went so far as wanting to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him.

For Reflection

Christ issues His call.  The invitation was not just given to some, it was given to all.  To all who hear, Christ invites you to the table of God.  To all who believe in the Way of Christ, salvation is offered.  Christ offers freedom from the restraints of the Mosaic Law and freedom to fulfill the intentions of the Law.  The invitation is open to all, Jew and Gentile alike.  It is God's promise to bless the people with forgiveness, justice, and compassion.  It is God's blessing of hope for all who hear.

As then and as now, the Gospel fell on fertile ground and on rocky soil.   Some heard and understood the meaning of Christ's words.  Some did not.  Some were confused, some were not,  Some feared the message some did not.  Some rejected the promise of salvation some did not.  Some had such great fear of change that they wanted to arrest Christ .  None tried.  On that day Hope triumphed over fear.  Hope continues to triumph over fear.

Pray

for the domination of Hope.  Pray prayers of praise for the living God who gave us Christ.  Pray prayers of thanksgiving for the life God gave us and for showing us what God is, who God is, and the power God wields to accomplish goodness and life as God has intended.  Sing hallelujah!