As we read and study the book of John together, God has been teaching me many things. Some of them are reminders, but others are perspective shifts. I hope and pray that as I share what God is teaching me that it will teach you as well. There is far more to be learned in the text if you spend time praying and asking God what he is trying to teach you as you read the text.
In John 7:25-29 we can read about how Jesus came and how he did not publicly claim a title, although he deserved to be called the Messiah. Instead Jesus lived out God’s purpose for him not what people thought he should do as the Messiah. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Do you know what good works God has prepared in advance for you? Do you know what God’s calling you toward? This week, would you take some time to ask God the question “What is my purpose?” or “What have you called me to do?” and make a decision to live out of your calling?
In John 7:30-36 Jesus was with the people in Jerusalem but he told them that he would go away to a place they wouldn’t be able to find him. He is talking about his ascension to heaven but they did not understand him. At this point in John, if the crowd wanted to find Jesus they could walk to him and they would find him.
Today we cannot walk to Jesus as He is seated at the right hand of God. However, God is at work all around us through the Holy Spirit. Do you take time to look for God? Do you look for glimpses of God at work in the beautiful and broken things of this world? Starting today, will you choose to look for God and to fix your mind on the things of God? Will you look for glimpses of God?
