Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- April 26, 2011
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for this is how their fathers treated the false prophets.” Luke 6:26
When we chose to follow Jesus not everyone will speak well of us. This comes with the territory and our commitment to Christ. It should not alarm us, since this is how Jesus was treated. The crowds praised Him for His authoritative teaching, but there always seemed to be a jealous group lurking. His authentic life condemned their hypocrisy. His clear teaching made the teaching of the religious leaders look complex and controlling.
Not well spoken of is the part of the cup we must drink from as a disciple of Jesus Christ. If we try to please everyone—we run the risk of pleasing no one. People intimidated into pleasing people become anxious, fearful and exhausted. Pleasing all the people—all the time is not possible—it is futile. You cannot do enough to satisfy some people.
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered” (Matthew 12:22).
Why are some people chronic complainers? Their insecurity craves attention, their pride demands attention and their pain requires attention. Their hurt has caused them to lose perspective and, unfortunately, you may become the object of their frustration. But by God’s grace you can love them through this unsettling time. You know better.
You can give them what they have denied you. Your patience and forgiveness will go a long way in loving them to Jesus. It is your life that validates your words during times of duress. Do not be surprised when others do not speak well of you. They may not have a context to understand, because they may not have Christ.
Moreover, it does matter what God thinks about you. Fortunately, by faith, God accepts you in Christ. However, your ongoing maturity in the faith is a concern of His. He does expect you to trust Him more and fear man less. He desires for you to have a love relationship with Him that is intimate, interesting and instructive. His affection is your affirmation.
When the Lord affirms your place in life, then you can rest assured. Do not waffle when the conflicting opinions of others seek to urge you their way. Your stability is in God. He is your rock and refuge. His validation matters most, so rest in Him and do not react to the unrealistic expectations of others. Only you, led by the Holy Spirit, can define God’s expectations.
There is a good chance someone will not understand your faith walk and therefore give you grief. Doing the right thing may cost you a relationship or financial remuneration. Indeed, be concerned if no one is not speaking well of you. Your obedience to Christ may draw out the firestorm of criticism from some, or it may be their subtle rejection that stings. Either way, pray for and love them regardless of their unfounded words. God knows and that’s all that really matters. Listen for His well-spoken words instead!
“ He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (2 Peter 1:17).
How can I value the well-spoken words of Jesus more than man’s?
Related Readings: Luke 3:22; Mark 8:34; John 8:25; Hebrews 11:4
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Thank you Boyd for this great devotion. You are a blessing to me and my family. Always enjoyed serving with you at FBA and as they say the spiritual beat goes on. This is truly the one of the best devotions that I have ever seen. Bless you brother and keep it going.
Mike thanks for your encouragement and so glad to hear from you. I really appreciate your faithfulness to our Lord all these years. He is so good!
Love ya!
Boyd
I have been prayering for the Lord to bring you to me you along time. To make a long story short. I & my family was burnt many years ago by a church calling themselve the Vineyard. It was not a church of God. It was a church with a leader that controlled his congregation. When I left God asked me, Why Did You Leave Me! I was so devastarted I promised God I would not go to another church without my husband. This was in the 80’s. I haven’t been to a church sence. I haveno trust for Pastors. Sorry!
But has God has been my teacher all these years. He has guided me to Max Lucado and last summer I prayed for a human teacher that I could trust and in April of this year a Christian store order on-line from gave the opportunity to sign up for your daily devotions. I did not sign up right away. I prayered and ask if you were true to His word. I signed up Feb.10 .
You are a answer to prayer. I look forward to recieving your devotions every morning and I print them out and share them.
I have had this need to write you all day. To let you know that you are a answer to my prayer, but also that all that God has taught me, through His Word, listing to his voice, through his Spiritual touch, I felt as a human I need to another true Christian (human) to tell me I’m on the right path, that I’m not imagining this peace, comfort, the knowledge & wisdom of His Word, this new person He has created in me. Through your devotions I am where I suppose to be. Thank You.
Emmanuel, God With Us