A Note from the Pastor’s Wife,

Philippians 2:5-11--Let this mind be in you that is also in Christ…

Jesus had many followers. Some of those followers were believers, others always wanting. They wanted to see miracles, they wanted food, they wanted to spy for the Pharisees and the Chief priests, and they wanted to follow Jesus for what they could get.

One Sabbath, Jesus healed a man at the pool of Bethesda, located at a sheep gate in Jerusalem. No pun intended, but this miracle began a significant stirring of hatred toward Jesus’ ministry. Ever notice when something extraordinary occurs and we are not a part of it? We act like the Pharisees and Chief priests. Instead of being grateful and thankful, we grumble, groan, and may even get jealous because we were not there to put our stamp of approval on it. We may try to find fault or seek a way to get one up on them, all to be recognized by man. To be large and in charge in our minds. God wants us to always do good works for His honor and glory, but instead, we lay around the pool waiting for someone else to help us. Sometimes, we truly want others to do the job, but we want the credit. We do not do everything we can to help ourselves or to do the work God has appointed us to do. One day, we realize we are tired of lying down. Then it happens: an opportunity arises. Jesus told the man, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” He immediately did so. And so do we. We jump at that chance, and our lives are changed forever.

Unfortunately, the man ran straight to the Pharisees and Chief priests. This could have been a good thing, another opportunity for them to receive Jesus, but no, they had to maintain their status quo, pomp, and pride. The hate turned to murder. Left unchecked, there we go. James 1:14-15-But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.

This did not stop Jesus; His work was not finished, nor had his time come. We must remember that Jesus was obedient unto death. He continued to heal, deliver, teach, etc., every day, taking every opportunity the Father gave Him. His time was short, and Jesus was not concerned with earthly desires. His focus was on pleasing the Father. He was not like the Pharisees and Chief priests seeking the applause of man.

Do not seek what the world offers and then get upset when a believer is the vessel of a miracle, a salvation, a blessing, a testimony, or anything else the Lord chooses to use them for. You and I have the same opportunity that the Pharisees, Chief priests, the paralyzed man, and any other follower of Christ did. If we are believers, we have more opportunity and a responsibility to spread the Good News and do God’s work. God is not partial. (Deut.10:17) He wishes no one to perish. (2 Peter 3:9) For believers, God’s wish is for them to receive rewards that will not burn up for their works. (1 Cor. 3:15) God desires obedience over sacrifice. (1 Sam. 15:22-23)

You must seek the Lord daily in prayer, search His word, build a relationship with Him, and be still to hear what He has for you. Then rise, take God’s instruction, and walk forward in whatever He has shown you to do.

In Christ Love

Bridget