Corona Devo 198

What do we really want as Christians?  Oftentimes, I think we contradict ourselves in our answers.  

We want to follow Jesus, in our life actions and in our hearts, but we want Him to "look" like many things, and sadly, we often just want Jesus to look like us:  To validate what we think and feel.

We say want Biblical messages preached that dive deep into applying God's word to our lives.  But our eyes get heavy and we mentally doze through sermons.

We attempt to dig into the Bible, but when God's truth convicts us in sin or pride, we take a step back because we would rather not feel uncomfortable or have God get too deep into our business.

God desperately wants to be a part of our daily experience of life.  He comes to us in many forms to "meet us where we are at", but we must be strong and wise (Biblically) to discern God from the imposters in our lives.

There was an odd man named John the Baptist that began telling people about Jesus and His Kingdom just before Jesus came on the scene.  He was a weird bird, from the outside looking in:  He would preach to people out in the middle of the wilderness instead of in temples, and John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey (Matthew 3:4). 

But John was not a weird bird from the inside out.  Inside, he recognized the message of Jesus and The Gospel, and John unashamedly taught it and preached it to people.  Sure, he did it in a bit of an unorthodox way, but God was using "different" to reach people.

Jesus reached people in another way.  He related to them.  He welcomed them.  He accepted them, sinner or saint.  He encouraged the sinner to accept God's forgiveness and turn from their ways, and he often called-out the so-called-saints (Pharisees), reminding them of their sin.  Jesus was the real deal, and He identified the imposters.  We need to do the same.

We cannot be disillusioned by a church that does not cast Jesus and Biblical stances as the lead role in their ministry.  John the Baptist brought God's truth in the wilderness, not a pristine sanctuary and similarly, the outward appearance of a church or pastor does not set a standard for Biblical teaching.  We cannot go expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes (Matthew 11:8), and allow this to validate everything said from the pulpit.  

We have to listen with our ears and brains.  Even pastors are concerned about what pastors are saying.  A recent Barna report revealed that (72%) of U.S. Protestant pastors identify the impact of "watered down gospel teachings" on Christianity as a major worry.

In today's society also, we who seek God's message and must to be careful not to allow God's Word to get lost in the translation, so to speak.  Our preachers may "look the part", but stay familiar with your Bible to be sure they are preaching the full word of God.  We do not want our teachings to be led by a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind (Matthew 11:7).  We have to know WHO we are seeking so that we will recognize Jesus:

7 As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? 8 Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. 9 Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. 10 John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’  11 “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is! 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. 14 And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come. 15 Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! ~Matthew 11:7-15

So what is Jesus saying?  He is pointing out that even though John the Baptist didn't "appear" holy in his apparel or speech, God was using him to spread the Word about The Word (Jesus!).  God uses unorthodox things and people to propel His purposes.  John was definitely "different", but Jesus makes sure to clarify: he was special and being used by God.

We must have open eyes to discern what and who God is using in our lives to propel His purposes.  Just because a person, preacher or church fits into our cookie-cutter mold does not mean that they are propelling God's purposes.  

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!  Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. ~Proverbs 4:5

In these days of feel-good-religion, prosperity gospel and you-be-you theology,  we must be wise and water our spiritual roots, or else God's church will wither. 

Count your blessings if you belong to a flock where the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing (Matthew 11:12), and today we should do a spiritual assessment to be sure that we are seeking all of Jesus, and not just a Jesus that validates what we think and feel.

Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! ~Matthew 11:7-15

Blessings,

sarah

https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com