Daily Gospel Devotional: July 5

John 7:14-31…

Question and answer…

Jesus comes into the temple to teach, and the people start to question Him. The assignment of Jesus was different than ours, we are not the Messiah. But our assignment is the same in that we are also called to glorify God. These same types of questions will be put to us.

They question Jesus about His authority. He was doing the Father’s will and He said that others who sought to do it would realize it. They will know what is right. That is more than just obedience; it’s not less than that, but it’s about seeking to give the glory to God instead of seeking to receive glory for oneself and from others. If you obey God, and seek to lead others to worship Him, you will learn true knowledge, speak with authority and have an authoritative vision for your life (Acts 4:13).

They question Jesus about His accuracy. They deny the conspiracy to kill Him because He had healed a man on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18). Jesus pointed out their inconsistency in observing what they wanted to from the law. In order to uphold the law of circumcision, they would “break” the law of the Sabbath. Jesus says the issue is not a matter of the letter of the law, but the essence of doing what is right. If you accurately handle the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), you will accurately handle questions about your actions.

They question Jesus about His authenticity. Jesus said they didn’t know where He was from, but they contended that they did. Yet He was not speaking about which town He was from, but His origin in heaven, and they knew that. They were trying to make it a matter of technicality rather than a matter of truth. How often do people who refuse to believe put up some smokescreen about semantics when they are just in love with their sin?

You will be questioned, argued against, misrepresented, lied about, and persecuted as a Christian. However, know this: just as it was with Jesus, you cannot be physically destroyed until your divine destiny is fulfilled. God has a job for you, now go and do it. In doing so, your life will be the answer to others about Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-17).

“Living For Today With An Eye For Tomorrow”©