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By Mike Caton

John 12:37, Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him.

What does it take to convince us, you and me, of something? These people had heard almost three years of teaching, they has seen almost three years of miracles, they had seen almost three years of the life Jesus led, and yet, they still did not believe. Now I know not everyone had been with Jesus all of those three years. And I also know that there were many people who did believe in him, but when you compare the number who did believe and the number who didn’t, many more didn’t. Everything Jesus did was to point people to the Father. The lessons he taught pointed to the Father, the miracles were signs to point people to the truth, and his example was one of commitment to the Father’s will.

And yet, there were still people who didn’t believe him. Maybe they thought it was too good to be true. Maybe they thought it was too different from what they had believed all their lives. Maybe Jesus didn’t match what they thought the Messiah would look like. Maybe they just didn’t want to believe, they were too comfortable in their present way of life. To be honest, we can see folks in those exact same places today in regards to God. And look closely at the verse, John says they would not believe, not that they could not. In other words, it was their choice, they chose not to believe in Jesus.

That is still the case today; it is not that people can’t believe, can’t live a holy life, can’t get closer to God. It is that people won’t believe, won’t get closer, won’t live the holy life that Jesus is calling us to. That is not to say it will be easy, but with the power of God, nothing is impossible. You see, it really comes down to a choice, to a matter of will, to a matter of want to. So, simply put, how badly do you want to believe and live for God?

Father, help me want more of you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mike Caton is the preacher at Mount Olive Church of Christ in Belhaven. He volunteers at the Ponzer Fire Department and works part time with Hyde County EMS. If you would like to receive daily devotions in your inbox, email mikecaton@centurylink.net.

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