My Own Ideas

In John 7 Jesus is in Jerusalem for the "festival of Shelters." The religious leaders were looking for Him, not because they were interested in what He was saying as much as they were interested in entrapping Him because they were already plotting His death. The buzz was on! People were asking questions about Jesus. Some were saying He was a mighty man of God. Others were accusing Him of being a fraud. Still for others, the jury was still out.

When Jesus first arrived in the city He did so secretly, so as no one would know He was there. Then about midway through the feast Jesus went to the temple and He began to teach (vs. 12). The religious leaders were amazed at His knowledge and said among themselves, "How does He know so much when He has not studied everything we've studied? (v. 15) Then in verse 16 Jesus said something profound. Jesus said, "I am not teaching my own ideas, but those of God who sent me."

So many today teach their own ideas. So many teach the ideas that originate with man. Jesus said, 'these are the ideas of God.' No wonder His Words pierced like a arrow. No wonder His Words were as precise as a knife in the hand of trained surgeon. No wonder His Words speak directly to our need. These Words are the Words of God Himself. The creator, the maker of all things.

The ideas of men, fall on deaf ears. The ideas of men lead to conflict and the lack of resolution. The Words of God lead to healing and wholeness.

Lord, help us to seek your Words, not the ideas of men. Lord, help us seek your truth, not the substitute of man's way.

This is today,

Pastor Gary