2/28/11 John 6:36- 40 If the Father Gives, We Stay

36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

Thoughts: God is not a fickle giver.  He does not elect some and then unelect them.  His foreknowledge and omniscience allow Him not to have to back track.  It is important to recognize that the Father rescues us- making us a live and allows us to come to Jesus (vs. 37).  Jesus, working with the Father (cooperating with His will vs. 38) , will not drive us away either. He says this a second time in a different way- He will not lose those given to Him.  The Good Shepherd does not allow His own sheep to wander off forever.  We may think that the problems and even death will snatch us away from God, but even death doesn't have the last say. Jesus says He will raise us up on the last day- giving those who believe in Him (which is a gift from God) eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that your promises are true and believable.  Thank you for your faithfulness, your salvation, and your protection.

John Calvin Commentary Abridged:  If we do not relish the word of God, we should wonder if we are His children.  Those who do not believe are not His own.  Faith is not dependent on human will as if this person or that person may randomly believe.  Rather, "All whom the Father gives Him come to Him."  We can infer from this that all do not come.  We may also infer that God works so efficaciously that those who come do not fall away. 

Personal- please pray for Dr. J. Herbert Nelson as he preaches tonight and tomorrow night at Lake Murray Presbyterian.