Wednesday, 12 July 2023

The Upper Room Discourse 18

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John 14:21 He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me. He who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him.

Is this a "stand alone" verse? By no means! It is both in context and supported by a plethora of other verses. First, in context, the previous verse (we highlighted yesterday) says "you will know." That "knowing" means to have an "intimate relationship" with God. When we have an intimate relationship with God, we value what God values, and He values His commandments.

Too often we consider love to be an emotion. In fact, emotional love brings about irrational decisions. Covenant, committed, "for better or for worse" love is hard work. However; when God is in it, it's a lot less hard.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and 'you will find rest for your souls.' For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

"Keep the commandments of God!" Is that something new? Is that something old? Or is that something that's "just right?" 1 Corinthians 7:19b ... keeping God's commandments matters. And here are 3 more ...

Leviticus 22:31 So you are to keep My mitzvot and do them. I am Adonai.

Matthew 19:17b ... if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.

Ezekiel 20:19 I am Adonai your God. Walk in My statutes, keep My ordinances and do them.

Is there any chance God didn't really mean it? Is there some way these were intended as suggestions or recommendations and not commandments? Hardly! The marriage supper of the Lamb is closer than ever. We must search our hearts and repent. We don't want to be found living in sin when He returns. In return, Yeshua promises to love you and reveal Himself to you. That's a wonderful covenant promise. Do you receive it?