“We wish to see Jesus” (John 12:21)

Tonight’s devotion describes a sinner who’s experiencing “prevenient grace”, that is, the grace God gives to sinners to see spiritual truth. Prevenient grace is more than the illumination of common grace available in the conscience (Romans 2:15). Most sinners of the world cry, “We want to see those things which will make us happy!" They seek satisfaction in earthly comforts, enjoyments, and riches. But the sinner who’s been quickened by the Holy Spirit, looks for comfort in one thing. "I wish I knew where to find HIM!" When a sinner is awakened to feel his guilt, if you place a bag of gold at his feet, he’ll say, "Take it away: I want to find HIM." It’s a blessed thing for a man, when he knows only one thing will give him relief. 

 Happy is he who has one desire, if that one desire is to gain Christ, even though it hasn’t happened yet. If Christ is your desire, it’s because the Holy Spirit has quickened your understanding. You won’t be content with the outward ceremonies of the Church. You will say, "I need Christ; I must have Him - mere ordinances are of no use to me; I want Him; do not offer me these; you offer me an empty pitcher, while I am dying of thirst; give me living water, or I’ll die. Christ is my deepest yearning…I wish to see Jesus!" 

 Is this your condition right now? Have you just one desire, and is that Christ? Then you’re not far from the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you just one wish in your heart, and that wish is for God to wash away your sins in Christ’s blood? Can you honestly say, "I would give all I have to be a Christian; I would give up everything I have and hope for, as long as He saves me”? Then, despite all your fears, don’t lose heart, the Lord loves you, and you will come out into daylight soon, and rejoice in liberty, when Christ sets you free.