Proverbs 25:12
The combination of a wise correction and a listening ear is pure gold.
Proverbs 26:7
Wisdom spoken by someone who is not living or acting on what they say, generally falls useless on its listeners’ ears, even if it is truth. The fat personal trainer giving nutritional and exercise counsel, even if scientifically accurate, is laughed at. May this challenge us to first live God’s ways before advising others to do so. This does not mean we have to be perfect, of course, but words spoken from a heart taking them seriously and acting upon them, will be well received, even if not agreed with. Don’t be that guy who becomes known as the dude who is always telling everybody what they should do. As has been said, “Don’t should all over people.”
John 18:4
Jesus knew everything that was going to happen to Him. He went out to meet them.
He knew He was going to be abandoned, mocked, tortured, and killed, and He went voluntarily to meet His betrayer anyway. What a man! What a man of love. Always looking at the greater good and glory ahead, rather than narrowly focused on the pain of the moment–yet still doubtlessly feeling it in His humanity.
Oh how often I hold back, fearing some rejection or just the possibility of my love or sacrifice not being returned. It’s passages such as this that gently remind me of how far off the mark of Christ I am, yet inspire me to press onward, to grow in the likeness of Him. This is the voice of our Holy Spirit, gently reminding us, pressing us onward.
I pray that I will meet people where they are, knowing that they will possibly reject me, or even hurt me. For this is the cosmic power of the universe in Logos.
John 19:30
Jesus fulfilled all the prophesies, and accomplished all He set out and was suppose to do. At the moment of His death He gave His Spirit which was to replace His physical body on earth. Through a work impossible for any other human, He gave over what is to fill us and be Him in the world. May we appreciate this sacrificial and powerful accomplishment.
The more open we are to Him, the more surrendered and submitted, the more Jesus is here on earth.
What do you need to remove in order for Jesus to more fully reign on earth through you?