As I was reading in John 8 this morning, verses 21-30 really made an impact. Take a minute to read those scriptures. It will be time well spent. Jesus is teaching, once again, warning of coming judgment. In his conversation, I was struck by several comments:

1. The Jews couldn’t grasp Jesus’ statement in verse 21, “Where I go, you cannot come.” They question it. Scratch their heads. Look at one another quizzically. Why couldn’t they understand? Well, Jesus answers them in verse 23, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am NOT of this world.” Which leads me to . . .
2. Jesus is from ABOVE. In the Greek, ano, means “upward” or “on the top.” This speaks several things. Jesus is from heaven. His vantage point clearly more accurate than ours.
3. Jesus is NOT of this world and therefore, has access to the resources of heaven. He has been there. We haven’t.

They ask him, in verse 25, “WHO ARE YOU?” Isn’t that interesting? Put yourself in the situation. He responds, “Just what I have been claiming all along. I have much to say in judgement of you. But he who sent me is RELIABLE, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”

Note to self here. THE ONE WHO SENT JESUS IS RELIABLE. Just what does that mean? Reliable defined means,  “dependable in achievement, accuracy, honesty.” Further, “Synonyms are trusty, authentic, consistent. Reliable, infallible, trustworthy apply to persons, objects, ideas, or information that can be depended upon with confident certainty. Reliable suggests consistent dependability of judgment, character, performance, or result: a reliable formula, judge, car, meteorologist. Infallible suggests the complete absence of error, breakdown, or poor performance: an infallible test, system, marksman. Trustworthy emphasizes the steady and honest dependability which encourages one’s confidence, belief, or trust: trustworthy and accurate reports.

Note: “the complete absence of error, breakdown or poor performance.” The GOD that we serve is RELIABLE and therefore, we can have CONFIDENT CERTAINTY in the character of God and the power of HIS word.

The Jews could not understand what he was saying (John 8:27) because they were not born of God (John 8:47). Jesus responds in verse 28, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be, and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.” Then, in verse 30, we read, “EVEN AS HE SPOKE, many put their faith in him.”

Right now, Jesus is speaking. He says, “LIFT ME UP. KNOW THAT I AM THE ONE I CLAIM TO BE. PUT YOUR FAITH IN ME. I SEE FROM ABOVE. YOU SEE FROM BELOW. I AM RELIABLE. WHAT DO YOU NEED ME TO DO FOR YOU?”

I know many of you are taking battle positions today. Vast armies are coming against you. The foes of your faith are charging, be it FEAR, DOUBT, SLANDER, WORRY, _________________ (fill in the blank). You feel powerless. I pray that you will make this note to yourself RIGHT NOW: GOD IS RELIABLE. And, he will fight your fight with you today. Be strong, dear friend, be courageous. STAND STILL and see the salvation of the Lord. The God of Asa (recorded below) is YOUR God. Plug your name/your battle/your foes into this prayer. Then, wait and see God move on your behalf.

2 Chronicles 14:10-12,

“Asa went out to meet him, and they took up battle positions
in the Valley of Zephathah near Mareshah.
Then Asa called to the LORD his God and said,
‘LORD, there is no one like you to help the powerless against the mighty.
Help us, O LORD our God, for we rely on you,
and in your name we have come against this vast army.
O LORD, you are our God; do not let man prevail against you.’

The LORD struck down the Cushites before Asa and Judah.
The Cushites fled,and Asa and his army pursued them as far as Gerar.
Such a great number of Cushites fell that they could not recover;
they were crushed before the LORD and his forces.
The men of Judah carried off a large amount of plunder.”