Speak Eternal Words

Jesus gave us an almost unbelievable promise in John 14:10, 12:

"The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work...I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing."

Jesus had repeatedly told them He only said what the Father gave Him to say. "I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me" (John 8:28). "I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it...whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say" (John 12:49, 50).

Then when Jesus spoke the words the Father gave Him, they went from being mere words to God doing His work. "It is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work."

But then Jesus stated that anyone who has faith can do the same thing. As we live in union with the Spirit, our words accomplish His work. We can try to manipulate, convince, and impress, but unless our words are Spirit-guided, we have accomplished nothing of eternal value. We have not allowed God to do His work.

Help me, Jesus, to remember to depend upon You for my words.

"You alone have the words that give eternal life" (John 6:68).