Questions of Arrogance

Scripture: Then the Jews surrounded Him and asked, “How long are You going to keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” John 10:24

Observation: Jesus has been very, very clear about himself. He has called himself the Son of Man, the Son of God. He has declared his knowledge of God as his true father, and declared personal knowledge of the will of God and the heavenly realm. He has outlined the proof that his words, actions, miracles, and knowledge align with the messianic promise. Yet the "Jews" still want him to publicly declare it just so they can charge him with a sin and stone him.

This is in line with all other characters of God. God has provided so many signs, wonders, creations, miracles, and other proofs of his existence, yet people would still want him to appear to them and introduce himself. In the case of God, this is because they are deceived, but also because of a conceit - they think their logic trumps general logic, and that they themselves are important enough to require personal proof from God. This is the same for the Jews - they believed that, as the chosen people - Messiah would be declared to them by God himself, and not simply appearing as a man who happens to fulfill each and every prophesy.

Application: I hope I don't have this kind of arrogance. I hope I do, in fact, see the world, and believe in God for what he has already created, done, shown, and said. I don't require more proof. And I don't think I require personalized evidence. I regret not hearing God's voice, but I actually know I am not worthy of those experiences.

It isn't that God has "better things to do." It's that I have not been faithful enough to be that close to God. Asking God to do something has a level of arrogance, and while I am prideful and certainly not humble enough, I do know that expecting God to interact with me personally isn't in the cards for me. I see his signs, I receive his nudging, I detect his whispers, I perceive his guidance spoken directly to my heart, and I feel the holy spirit. In this, I know he loves me, and I will follow him.

Prayer: Lord, may I walk humbly with you this day and every day. Show me your will so that I may follow, and please forgive me when I struggle or stumble. Thank you for this wonderful creation, and your amazing love. Amen.