Drawn by the Father

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John 6:44 (NIV)
"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day."

Devotion:

Jesus spoke these words to a crowd that had eaten the loaves only the day before. They had followed him across the lake, but now they were grumbling. They wanted bread, not the Bread of Life. Their complaint exposed a deeper problem, one Jesus names plainly: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them."

This is a humbling word. It tells us that the natural heart, left to itself, will not come to Christ. The problem is not that the invitation is unclear or that the Savior is unattractive. The problem is in us. Our wills are bound by sin, and we cannot free ourselves.

The word "draws" is a strong one. John uses the same verb for hauling in a net full of fish (21:11), and Luke uses it for dragging Paul and Silas before the magistrates (Acts 16:19). The Father does not merely suggest or nudge. Yet his drawing never forces us against our will. As the Shorter Catechism teaches, in effectual calling the Spirit renews our wills and so "doth persuade and enable" us to embrace Jesus Christ. He does not drag us in kicking. He makes us willing.

We see this drawing at work in Lydia, the dealer in purple cloth at Philippi. She had gathered with other women by the river for prayer when Paul sat down and spoke to them. Others heard the same message that day, but Luke tells us that "the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message" (Acts 16:14). Paul preached, and the Lord opened her heart. Lydia believed, was baptized with her household, and opened her home to the apostles. God's drawing did not bypass the ordinary means of grace. It worked through them, using the preached Word to bring her to Christ.

This doctrine leaves no room for pride. If you have come to Christ, it is because the Father drew you. But it leaves great room for hope. Notice how the verse ends: "and I will raise them up at the last day." The Son will keep those whom the Father draws. None of them is lost along the way.

So give thanks today for the grace that drew you. And pray with confidence for those who are still far off. The Father who opened Lydia's heart by the riverside is still drawing sinners to his Son through the preaching of his Word. And Jesus promises that whoever comes to him, he will never drive away (6:37).

Prayer:

Lord, draw us closer to you. We often prefer to keep you at a distance. We call upon you when we need something, but otherwise ignore you. Help us respond to your invitation to walk closely and intimately with you at all times. May we not be followers only in times of need. Help us, Lord, to walk with you in every season of life. May we praise you when things are going well and not be afraid to ask you to meet our everyday needs. May all glory be to you. Amen. 

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