What Really Made The Difference

Monday, May 22, 2023

Good morning, Lord

Verse of the Day: 1 Corinthians 1:10

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Memory of the Month: John 10:27-28

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

Today's reading: 1 CHRONICLES 16-18 JOHN 7:28-53

What Really Made the Difference?

Jesus had gone to the great Festival of Tabernacles in Jerusalem but had waited until it was half over to start to teach.

(From John 7:28-53) The chief priests and Pharisees sent guards to arrest Jesus. (Verse 32) These guards were Jewish folks who had been around the temple a good while and were used to listening to the teachers of the law. They heard it all the time, day in, day out.

The teachers were the best of the best. They were all steeped in Jewish law and knew it well throughout.

The guards followed orders and went to get Jesus but did not come back with Him and the Jewish leaders wanted an explanation. Their explanation was: (46) “No one ever spoke the way this man does,” the guards replied.

What really made the difference in what the guards had always heard and in what Jesus was teaching? They had heard many coming and speaking trying to get attention or gather support for different uprisings down through the years but there was something different about this 'Nazarene'. He spoke with an 'a-typical' authority. He spoke with assurance and truth. He really 'believed' what He was saying and did it with a peaceful, fearless aire.

The guards could see it but the leaders could not. A man named Nicodemus was the only one who had the courage to question his fellow Jewish leaders.

So what was the difference, really?

The difference was that the guards were not blinded by power and jealousy as were the Jews. They were simply following orders but seemed to have open minds. So when Jesus started to speak, the guards heard a message from God they had yet to hear and it was amazing to them. They were not consumed by hate and jealousy and their eyes were open.

There are those in the world who will never hear the Gospel because they are blinded by whatever tool from the enemy camp is employed.

But our job is what Jesus taught us in this account. Teach the truth in confidence and some will hear. Speak with the authority and peace that God gives us as His children and He is responsible for the outcome. Some of the unbelieving number will receive a seed planted-even a leader now and then will hear God speak to their hearts.

What really made the difference? Jesus was to the point in truth and spoke with God's authority in unconditional love. He loved people. The guards had never seen love like this from the tabernacle leaders-just harsh judgement and haughtiness.

Jesus was and is the difference because He was full of the Spirit of God. That same difference should shine from our lives.

Does it? We all have work to do. But that same unconditional love and peace is ours in the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit.

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven, loving God,

Let me, in Your peace, learn how to only speak out in Your love and mercy and grace. Forgive me my fears and strengthen my faith. I will only speak what You give me to speak-but I will speak-strengthen me so I will speak.

Great God of Victory and soul restoration!

In the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen