“You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret.” - John 7:8-10 NIV
In Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV), the Bible says, “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” There are several ways of doing something in this world. But there’s always a God-aligned approach that should be the first to consider when doing it. Many of us Christians serve God. But the question is, “do we serve Him acceptably?” As good as ideas may be, each one has to pass through the lens of the Spirit before it can be accepted, pursued, planned, and executed.
In a few years of ministry, Jesus was well known in the whole of Israel for His mighty kingdom works, especially the miracles. He had every spiritual and physical backing to do whatever He wanted. But He considered the Father’s desires first while also checking the people’s hearts.
In John 7:3, Jesus’ own biological brothers urged Him to leave Galilee and go to Judea so that others may see His works. That proposition wasn’t bad. But their following statement showed their mentality for saying them: “No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world” – (John 7:4 NIV).
Then in verse 5, the Bible says Jesus’ brothers didn’t believe in Him. So the advice they gave to Him was meant to pressure and mock Jesus simultaneously.
It’s unfortunate to say that one of those who doubt people’s divine callings are their own family members. Jesus replied his brothers wisely. He told them to leave and that He’d not go. Later, Jesus went secretly. Did Jesus lie? No! He did it as an acceptable service to the Father. Friend, let no man pressure you to make decisions in your state of instability. Distance yourself from any of such people for a while to think and pray. Then, use the God-aligned approach to handle your situation wisely.
You’re a blessing.
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 044
Download Quote and Share
