Lacking the Proper Context

Scripture: Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question. If you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. Where did the baptism of John come from? From heaven or from men?” They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the people, for all hold John as a prophet.” So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.” Matthew 21:24-27

Observation: Jesus asks the priests and elders a question, and interestingly enough they give what might be considered an honest answer. They do not know where the baptism authority of John came from. They may have given this answer out of fear of the crowd, but the bottom line is that they had to discuss this question because they weren't sure of the answer.

This is then the lesson Jesus is teaching. They have asked about Jesus' own authority. He points out to them they do not understand the basics about the source of authority, therefore he cannot give them an answer they will understand. They lack the proper context for receiving the correct answer.

Application: Discussing all matters of faith - the will of God, reality of miracles, basic faith, mission of Jesus, power of the Holy Spirit, compliance with the law, forgiveness versus judgment - requires a basic context about ... God's love. It is by that love that God seeks to guide behavior, forgive sin, sacrifice his only son, intervene in crisis, mold character, allow free will, and judge responses.

I am moving out of a time where I have been trying to find God's context for what is happening around me. I have sought direction and guidance, while taking action, and praying for outcomes. I believe the last 15 hours have now shown results. God cares SO much MORE about character, lives, and the long-term soul of people than he cares about their earthly status, rewards, and station. He seeks growth of our hearts, and he is willing to take people through the dark valley of their lives to achieve that growth ... while staying with them every step of the way.

And my task is to aid some people through that valley. That seems like a hard call, but it also seems to be more clear.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for Randy and Dave. I have never said that before, because I have not appreciated them from a "professional" perspective. However, I do appreciate them now, from your perspective, seeing them through your eyes. You love them. May I simply join you in how you manifest that love. Amen.