Devotional

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God ; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” — John 14:1-7 (NIV)

As Christians, asking ourselves if Jesus is the only way may seem like an obvious question. We have all been taught, through Jesus' own words, that He and He alone is the way to salvation. In John 14:6 Jesus himself tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

This concept was spelled out very clearly for me at an early age.  I recall quite vividly a particular moment growing up when my family was sitting in church, as we did every week. I happened to glance over at my father during the sermon and noticed him bow his head every so slightly, but reverently as the priest spoke. (I was raised Catholic). In watching him more closely, I realized that every time the priest used Jesus' name my father would bow his head. Afterwards I asked my dad why he did this. "Your grandparents taught me at an early age that the key to attaining eternal life in heaven was to follow the Lord Jesus in all I do. With that, whenever I hear His name, I bow my head as a sign of respect and as a constant reminder to follow Him and put Him first". 

That really struck me and is something I myself try to do each time I hear Jesus' name. As we close out this sermon series on the world's religions, we as Christians take this time to reaffirm our faith and belief in Jesus Christ: our Savior, our Redeemer, our Lord. 

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, please help us to always put you first. Guide us as we strive to be worthy of the ultimate sacrifice you made for us: freeing us from sin and opening the gates of heaven that we may share eternal life with You and your Father in heaven. Amen. 

Written by George Connors. George has been a Confirmation mentor at Arcola Church for the past 3 years. He lives in Ashburn with his wife Stacy and their children Sara, Kieran & Chloe.