by Rev Steve Nickodemus

You Can’t Go This Way…

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.” 
John 14:6

People naturally think that they get to God through being a good person, by trying harder, being more loving, keeping the Ten Commandments, meditating on positive things, doing good works.

But Jesus tells us that the way of “good works” is closed, impassable, a dead end.  Jesus said, “I am the way… No one comes to the Father except through me.”  What does that mean for you?  It means three things.

First of all, you need to admit to God that you need Him; His mercy, His grace, His love.  Confess your inability to make it on your own.

Secondly, you can trust Him.  You can trust Him to do what you cannot do, that is, save you.  You can trust Jesus as the Way, the Truth, the Life.  You can trust His death on the cross as payment for your sins.

Thirdly, you can relax in His love.  You can let go of the anxiety of trying to perform, to bluff, to self justify your righteousness.  You can have peace with God and with yourself because Jesus Christ has opened the way to the Father.

The road to heaven by good works is closed, you can’t get there that way.  But rejoice!  Jesus is the Way to the Father.  You can admit you need Him, you can trust Him, you can relax in His love.

You are the way; through You alone
Can we the Father find;
In You, O Christ, has God revealed
His heart and will and mind.”
Jesus is the Way!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado