John 8:52
Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, 'Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.'
We've all encountered boastful people or those that make incredible claims that we find impossible. Sometimes we see these in commercials or sales pitches, sometimes in fishing stories, or stories that embellish. I'm guilty of it. We want it to be so big that it draws attention or a response. We even see it on the internet with videos that have been "doctored."
Today we find Jesus with the Jews, saying, "Whoever keeps my word will never taste death." They say, (paraphrased) "Who do you think you are, saying these things? Abraham had a promise himself with God, yet he died. So did the prophets. Yet you say you'll never die, nor will we if we keep YOUR word???? Come on!!!" They didn't believe him. They couldn't put it together, that he was the Messiah. Not a riding in on a flaming chariot in a blaze of glory as they expected. Instead on a donkey, born in a stable, raised by a carpenter. That makes it even more unbelievable. But God's promises and graces are so much bigger that we ask for or imagine. That's why we have to put our full faith in God, let ourselves and our human beliefs go, and turn everything over to Him. That makes it hard…doable but hard. Pray today for the strength to live God's promises instead of your own.
