June 23

“Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?”   —JOHN 14:10

Peter was the impulsive, outspoken disciple of Christ. Like all the disciples, he believed Christ was going to restore the dignity and integrity of the Jewish people, and establish a kingdom where Israel would reclaim its rightful place in the world. He had heard Christ preach with authority, and witnessed His many miracles, so would certainly have believed Jesus had the power to do this. But after Pentecost, Peter was a changed man. 

Along with the other disciples, Peter stood before a crowd of thousands and boldly proclaimed, “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know” (Acts 2 :22). Jesus is the Son of God. Peter realized that for three years he’d been alongside deity, so one would have expected him to preach the deity of Christ, but he preached the humanity of Christ. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit, Peter could finally say, “At last, I understand. It wasn’t Jesus performing the miracles, but it was God working through Him. And Jesus was a man accredited by God to demonstrate how we are meant to live.” 

Jesus lived on earth in unequivocal union with His Father. He said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself ” (John 5:19), and in John 14:10, “The words I say to you are not just my own; rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work.” Jesus didn’t teach His disciples foolproof methods for living, but He taught them spiritual principles which enabled Him to work in them, so that the explanation for their lives would be God at work. Later, He told them, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

The exemplary life of Jesus demonstrates that it is impossible to live the Christian life purely by human resources. Just as Jesus lived in a relationship of love, trust, obedience and dependency upon His Father, we are to live in the same relationship with Christ. It is in union with Him we are empowered to live the Christian life. He lives in us just as His Father lived in Him. Christ gives us Himself, and it is time to get Christianity out of being a lifestyle; it is a life… a divine life.

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, Living in union with You is the most amazing blessing and privilege. I am humbled by it. You are my life, and I love You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I dependent upon the Holy Spirit in living the Christian life or am I trying to do it on my own?