Knowing God’s Word
Do we really know God’s will, or are we swayed by those around us? We are living in a very turbulent time where there is debate about any and every belief. Examples include the kind of food they feed their children, the shows they watch, the political party they align with, and even if they like Coke more than Pepsi.
These are only a few of the things that people argue over. Some I listed carry more weight than others. However, at the end of the day, none of these weigh quite as much as the questions asked of Jesus before and after his message in the synagogue we read today (Luke 4:14-30).
Before we arrive at today’s passage, Luke records that Jesus was tempted by the devil three times in the wilderness. Each time, however, Jesus responds with scripture and remains faithful to God’s plan for him over following the devils temptations to use his divine power for self.
Then Luke records Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah (61:1-2) and stating that it has been fulfilled in his reading. He is telling his hometown that he is the Messiah the prophets have long spoken of. Instead of awe and excitement, they share doubt of Jesus’s statement.
He doesn’t give into their doubt but uses scripture to point out that their doubt in many ways is just like that of their people with the profits of the past, and yet that doubt and sin doesn’t stop God’s message from going to those who need to hear it.
As I sit and reflect on this passage, I come to a few questions. How well do I know God? How do I know the difference between what people want and God’s will? Would I be able to share God’s word as a response to people’s doubts when God calls me in a specific direction?
It always amazes me the way in which Christ quotes scripture as the devil tempts him, and when the people doubt him, he again shares the history found in scripture to point out the sad truth of how God will respond to their doubt based on the way he responded to his people in the past.
We don’t worship the Bible, but we worship the one who is revealed in the Bible. This passage inspires me this week to be thankful for His word and to be thankful for my time in Scripture, which can help me in the moments I need to discern God’s will or need to share my reasoning for going against the world’s expectations, even within the Church today.
Where is God calling you to remain firm in who He is instead of what others expect or believe about you?
Lord, lead me to know you more intimately through your word and trust your desires above those of this world. Amen.