First of all no longer as down, got good rest last night, and not nearly as grumpy (thanks to all concerned I am sure I made a prayer list or two).
It amazes me that God's Word can speak to one totally different than another. It is wonderful that the same message can be given to a kindergartner or a university professor and God pleasing both can be filled. With that, today's message is personal to me. I pray we wit strain from doing God's bidding when He does not bid us to do so. May we remain quite enough to hear His whispers and pray that it is the Spirit and not the flesh that leads us. May He strip away any foolishness and press in our hearts that which is truth.
Jhn 7:10 But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.
Jhn 7:11 Then the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he?
Jhn 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
Jhn 7:13 Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews.
- Why did Jesus go at all to the feast of the tabernacles?
- Was there any difference in what the people said and though in verse 12 (meaning was one better than the other)?
In the previous Word we discussed going boldly and proclaiming His gospel. We read of the hatred one may endure because His message reveals the flesh and their dead works of evil. But let us not go away from this as an invitation to be a martyr when one is not called for that purpose. Is it any better to sit in silence or to boast in ignorance? Should one run from opportunity or run at persecution? Can one rest in grace without servitude or labor in responsibility without grace? I always think back to what Scot Richardson a former preacher in West Virginia said, "that a train wreck on either side of the tracks is just as bad". Stealing one more quote "I said that to say this"; Oh how it hurts to see or hear someone where the rejection of the world as a badge of honor. Self righteously going into conflict and needlessly exposing themselves to persecution. Going into doctrinal battle, defending our beliefs, and proudly piercing our enemies instead of weeping for the lost. I pray we see Christ here as an example to us all. For looking back to verse 1 He walked in Galilee because they sought to kill Him. He had the power to conquer armies but still He remained away from this potential conflict. Why go seeking trails and persecution, for trust me for if you are separated unto God you will most likely have plenty find you. So then why did Jesus go at all? Deut 16:16 says that every male shall appear before the Lord in this place for the feats of the tabernacles. Christ was a man and He was in perfect submission to the law. And in that law He was commanded and He willfully obeyed. So on one hand let us in patience not court danger or rejection but when the Word bids us to go we should willing go no matter the consequences. May we pray the Spirit leads us and we are moved to follow.
