Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. – John 1: 12-13Many times we talk about our experience with God in terms of our decision. But the Bible places that moment in a rich context – we were brought to that point of decision by the will of God! There is a mystery here: we decided to follow Jesus because God gave us the right to decide. In no way could we create that right ourselves! This places us squarely dependent upon the God from whom all blessings flow. That dependence positions us as a child, and therefore an heir, to all that our heavenly Father has to give us.
Today’s commentary by:
Dave Whitehead, Senior Pastor, GraceNYC.org
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about God and our own will. We wouldn't BE without God so of course, he had to GIVE us the free will we use to choose. So, the right to decide had to be granted and the choice had to be given. My finite mind barely grasps this concept of "free will" versus "God's Will." I prefer to follow under his law and so I choose to obey His will. I could choose to not follow His law, but then He gave me that choice too.
