January 21 Daily Devotional

Bible Reading

John 14:1–6

Devotional

The path that God opens for sinners is a way that descends from above down to man. To be sure, the road is too long for many, because it carries you down into the valley of humiliation. Many find this way too humiliating because it begins with the recognition of one’s own sin. For them this way is too narrow, because you can’t take anything with you. They also find this way too easy, because you cannot do anything to earn it. This way is too simple because we love to make things complicated. But this way is so very precious and indispensable for those who have learned not to expect anything from themselves. Oh, you who do not see a way, here is the way! It is a path given from heaven, so that you might walk on it. This is the ladder of Jacob, prepared in heaven, so that you can make use of it.

Christ is the way. He is God who becomes flesh and dwells among men. This is the Christmas event. At the same time Christ is man who returns to the Father in heaven. This is the Ascension event. Jesus does not obstruct the way to God because His shed blood of reconciliation brings perfect satisfaction. He does not obstruct man’s way because He descends as deeply as the greatest sinner has fallen.

Christ does not say that He will show you the way. No, He is the way. Like a shepherd carries his lost sheep on his shoulders, so He carries all who are His people to God. To carry people is the purpose of a road! A road that cannot carry traffic is useless, even if it points us in the right direction.

Furthermore, Christ does not say, “I will go ahead of you on the way.” Then He would only be an example. What if He would take the lead, but you lagged behind? What does a paralyzed man do with an example to follow? Rather, Jesus is the Mediator. Christ has willingly humbled Himself. He entered into misery, became a curse, humbled Himself unto death, was buried, and suffered hell. Because of our sin He became the way, the means to bring us to God. He did not come to seek His own honor, but His aim was to honor God. He came to serve, to honor God the Father, and to minister to the sinner. His whole life—His suffering and His death—consists of service. In this way He brings man to God. He is altogether lovely, and therefore the way is so desirable. Is this way not worthy to be used?

 

From The Everlasting Word by Frans Bakker, compiled and translated by Gerald R. Procee. Reformation Heritage Books and Free Reformed Publications, 2007. Used by permission. For further information, click here.