Jesus is Essential
John 12:37–41: But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with their eyes, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.” These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
The Jews’ irrational unbelief had been predicted by Isaiah the prophet. The clearest Old Testament passage concerning the suffering Servant began by stating that Israel would not perceive God’s revelation in and through the Servant. Who has believed our message and seen His arm … revealed? implies that only a few have believed. Then John again quoted from Isaiah to explain that the nation as a whole was unable to believe. Because they constantly rejected God’s revelation, He had punished them with judicial blindness and deadened … hearts. People in Jesus’ day, like those in Isaiah’s day, refused to believe. They “would not believe;” therefore they could not believe. 1
Walking with Jesus
A hard heart is a very dangerous sign, indicating that something is wrong spiritually. The root cause can be unbelief. When we face great difficulty, we often become vindictive towards others instead of trusting God. This can sink us spiritually. Ask God for believing faith today. Trust Him instead of despising others. Cast your cares on Him.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting.” Romans 1:28
The cost of unbelief has eternal consequences to our soul.
Praying
Lord, please forgive me for not trusting You and Your written Word.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
