DJD201 - An Open Book

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Scripture: 

1 John 5:3

Starting Question:

Name five things you did yesterday that you will also do today.

An Open Book

Imagine someone you have never met before walks up to you as you are about to do something and says, “I know what you are going to do, you are like an open book to me.” Now imagine your best friend walks in through another door and says the same thing as the stranger. 

Intrigued, you ask them both to write down what you are about to do on a piece of paper and place it upside down on the table. Once you have both pages written and placed upside down, you do the thing you were going to do. 

After you are done with your task, you go back to the table and turn over the two pieces of paper. They have different things written on them. One is right, one is wrong. Which one do you think was written by your friend and which one by the stranger?

Many people struggle with the meaning of today’s Bible verse. It clearly says that people who love God will keep His commandments. If you read the verses around this verse (which is always a good idea when reading the Bible) you will see that it is a lot like the activity above. It says: God knows what His friends will do because they are an open book to Him. 

This is what it says on the piece of paper - the one that God wrote and laid on the table in front of you: “One thing I know about you: You believe Jesus is the Messiah. This means you are my child! And since you love me as your Father, you will treat me and my other children with Love. You can conquer the world - and it’s easy for you - because you have faith in Jesus!” 

Someone who knows, loves and talks to God everyday will find His way of life simple and natural. Not because they are better at being good but because they are in love with Him. His commandments are not a problem because they are exactly the way His children want to live. 

This is why, your friend Jesus was right when He walked into the room and said, “I know what you are going to do, you are like an open book to me.” 

Reflection Question:

Jesus can read us like an open book. How does this make you feel?

Prayer time:

Before you pray together, ask: What would you like to say to Jesus today?

Further Reading:
The Signs of the Times, April 17, 1893