The Screeching Parrot
John 12:46,47 I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness. I did not come into the world to judge people. I came to save the people in the world. So I am not the one who judges those who hear my teaching and do not obey.
One of the reasons that so many hang back from drawing closer to Jesus is that … well, to be honest, we’re afraid of what He’s going to say about the way we’ve been living our lives. That one thing held me back for almost two decades!
I was trying to work in my study the other day but my neighbour’s parrot just kept on screeching. Now look, it’s a beautiful looking bird but what a terrible sound day after day. It’s been driving me absolutely crazy. I have to confess, there are some days when I could be tempted to do that bird some serious harm.
And truly, I think we all have people in our lives that bear a striking resemblance to that wretched parrot. Sure, on the surface they look great. But when they open their mouths, they’re just as annoying as that screeching parrot. In fact, I used to be a lot like that. The only words I ever had for people were harsh, critical words.
But then, as Jesus drew closer to me, something changed. I’d expected that all He’d have for me were harsh, critical words in return. That’s what I deserved. But He only ever had kind words.
He should have judged me, but instead He whispered quietly:
John 12:46,47 I came into this world as a light. I came so that everyone who believes in me will not stay in darkness. I did not come into the world to judge people. I came to save the people in the world. So I am not the one who judges those who hear my teaching and do not obey.
Look, we’ve all been that screeching parrot in someone else’s life. We have. But Jesus’ response isn’t to judge us, or to condemn us. No. He came to save us.He came to save you. Jesus.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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