Hi
Blessed Sunday to you.
Can you imagine, one long conversation after another, and often with people who don’t want to take you or your work seriously! Day after day after day. Regardless of the proof before them. And then …
Breakthrough
Someone takes note. Someone dares to believe. Someone gets you. Consider John’s testimony of Jesus in today’s Holy Nougat
“The Father loves his Son and has put everything into his hands.”John 3:35 NLT
Interestingly enough, Jesus never tried to prove Himself to the naysayers or scoffers around Him. His work (including His sermons) spoke on His behalf. And that was that most of the time. After the long conversation with Nicodemus however, it was John’s disciples who questioned His authority. Jesus was not even party to the conversation.
John’s response is important, as Jesus could have been considered a threat to his ministry. That was actually the disciples’ concern. Rather than vilify the competition, or get offended by Jesus’ apparent popularity; John once again affirmed Jesus’ divinity.
For the kingdom of God isn’t about competition to see whether I preach better than you, or Jesus has more disciples than John. It is about acknowledging and accepting the authority of Jesus as the Son of God, and inviting others to that reality.
And yes, there may be seasons when our work and integrity comes under attack. It also happened to Jesus. Others may come along who seem to have a greater draw, as occurred with John after he baptized Jesus; that’s okay – provided they are preaching Christ. And if not, that truth will also stand for us. And our response is to pray and praise God, to whom we are ultimately accountable for our actions.
The fact is, sometimes we are caught in John’s shoes (okay camel-hair robe) – the newbie is getting promoted by leaps and bounds. Do we join the bandwagon of criticism and/or sabotage by those who weren’t promoted, or do we give credit where it is due? The decision is not always easy. But we may be the difference when it really matters. And sometimes we’re caught in Jesus’ belt; we legitimately earned our success, but everyone questions our integrity – publicly and in private. We have to decide that our work, and God’s favor, will speak for us. Nothing else can. Not even the John’s can without God’s direction.
May God’s grace be ours this week as we face whatever comes our way. In Christ’s love and grace . . .
