TRANSFORMATION THROUGH RELATIONSHIP
When Jesus heard what had happened, He found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is He, sir? I want to believe in Him.” “You have seen Him,” Jesus said, “and He is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.
John 9:35-38 (NLT)
Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him.
Colossians 3:10 (NLT)
The blind man who received his sight was changed by Jesus, but that was just the start of his transformation. Becoming the person God created us to be comes from a continued relationship with Jesus Christ.
When I met my seminary roommate’s sister, I thought she was quite attractive, and I was very interested in dating her. But I wasn’t sure if I could pursue a relationship with her because she resembled her brother, one of my best friends. When we had the opportunity to ride in the same car on a group trip, we began conversing. As we reached our destination, I told her, I used to think you resembled your brother, but now I don’t think you look like him at all! My perspective changed as I got to know her better, and she eventually became my wife. My relationship with her transformed me.
I received a new nature when I trusted Jesus, but the transformation continues as I get to know Him better. As I hear God’s voice through His Word and in my mind, and as I experience the love of Christ, my perspective will be changed, and I will become more like Him.
APPLICATION: What have you come to know about Jesus that has changed you?
PRAYER: Father, thank You for the ;You give that has made me more .
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?