"Jesus answered, 'If I glorify Myself, My glory is nothing. It is My Father who glorifies Me, of whom you say, "He is our God." But you have not known Him. I know Him. If I were to say that I do not know Him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know Him and I keep His Word. Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.' So the Jews said to Him, 'You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?' Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'" John 8:54-58

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Devotional Thought For The Day
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The ongoing conversation between Jesus and the religious leaders of the time as recorded in John's Gospel is remarkable. It was a constant struggle of truth spoken by Jesus and the stubborn, rebellious insistence upon unbelief. It didn't matter what Jesus said or taught; it was all opposed and objected to. Such hardheartedness of unbelief is always impervious to the truth.

The mystery of the Triune nature of God and the Deity of Jesus Christ is here referenced by Jesus. We know from the Word of God Who the great "I AM" is. It is none other than the only True and Living God. Yet Jesus here identifies Himself clearly as the great "I AM" who exists from all eternity, and hence "before Abraham." Of course this sounded like utter rank blasphemy to those who heard Him, to whom He appeared as nothing more than a man. That they understood clearly what He was asserting is evident from their reaction: "So they picked up stones to throw at him." [John 8:59]

It was not principally to teach that Jesus came into the world; rather He came as "the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world." [John 1:29] He was quite clear in understanding His true mission and so He remarked: "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own authority, but speak just as the Father taught Me." [John 8:28] It is so deeply and remarkably humbling that "I AM" has suffered so deeply for our sins, to atone for them, to redeem us from them, to wash and cleanse us from every spot and stain. And yet it remains so tragic that to this day so many human beings rebel against Him in stubborn, obstinate, hardhearted unbelief - refusing to truly hear Him, understand Him, believe Him, and rejoice in His love. Like Jesus' hearers they cling fiercely to the notion that they are doing well enough with God's law to save themselves. Yet murderous thoughts toward "I AM" exist freely and fiercely in their hearts.

Believers in Christ rest themselves fully and completely in Him, for we have heard and heeded His invitation: "Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." [Matt. 11:28-30] Of this rest in God's gracious mercy and forgiveness in Christ Jesus God declares: "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from His." [Heb. 4:9,10] So we believe the Son, the "I AM," and "He that believes the Son has everlasting life." [John 3:36]

Like father Abraham we too have "seen" Jesus' day by faith - the wondrous Day of Atonement for the sin of the world. Like father Abraham, all true believers also "rejoice" in that day, rejoice in Jesus. Through Him we also know the Father, and rejoice in Him, resting from our works, resting in His gracious mercy and love. No murderous thoughts arise in our hearts - only the joy of heavenly childhood. So we know Him and also keep His Word.

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Prayer For The Day
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Dear Lord Jesus, Your glory is awesome and astonishing - we can scarcely grasp it. Yet the glory of Your wondrous love eclipses even the glory of Your power and might. Help us to rest ourselves in You, and forbid that we reject anything of Your glorious love for us, Your great redemption and rest. May we always know the Father, and rejoice in Him, and keep Your Word. Amen.