John 3:27 – Given From Heaven

“To this John replied, ‘A person can receive only what is given them from heaven.’” John 3:27

In this verse John the Baptist is responding to his followers pointing out that people are no longer coming to him to be baptized, but are now going to Jesus instead. His response indicates that John knows that every person he baptized and all the good he did in leading the way for Jesus was given from God. His role, his works, his ability, his every heartbeat; all were given from God. His job was to faithfully accept his role, faithfully perform the work set before him, use his ability to glorify God, and be thankful and faithful every step of the way. From our eternal fate to our daily existence; “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven,” (John 27).

 When we die we will be received in one of two ways; “I never knew you; depart from me,” or “Well done, good and faithful servant!… Come and share your master’s happiness!”(Mat. 7:23, 25:21). Either reception is based on whether we accept the saving grace of Jesus, or not. Eternity in Hell is given from God based off of the punishment of sin traced back to Adam. Eternity in Heaven is given from God through Jesus’s saving work on the cross. God gives us a choice in our eternal fate but whether we choose condemnation or justification, both paths are  given from God, “just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people,” (Rom. 5:18).

Our daily existence and circumstances are given from God. Our height, our intelligence, our sex, our abilities, our disabilities, the color of our skin, our giftings, the home we were born into, and our overall spirit and personality; are all “given [us] from heaven,” (John 3:27). What we do with these circumstances is up to us. Yes, God gives us free choice; the ability to choose in the significant and insignificant. What we will have for lunch, and whether we will “rejoice in the Lord always,” (Phil. 4:4). Within the framework of His creation, and our fallen nature, God gives us control of our actions. Yes, this means that the damage done from our own sin and the sin of others ultimately comes from the God given ability to choose. This does not mean God causes sin, but He certainly allows it. Yes, God allows hardship and pain. In our efforts to understand this, we must not make the mistake of thinking that anything falls outside of God’s control. Nothing falls outside of God’s control. God knew Lucifer would betray Him (Ezek. 28:11-19). God knew Eve would be deceived (Gen. 3). God knows the beginning from the end (Is. 46:10). God allows everything that occurs on this Earth, and He promises to use it for our good when we love Him (Rom. 8:28). God designed a system in which we long for complete happiness, peace, justice, and love, and our only way to receive these in full is through His Son.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, what a special gift; that we GET to love you in return. We are dust before you, yet you value our love. Help us to see that every circumstance, every choice, every limitation, and every gift is intended to draw us nearer to you.