O God, you are my God;
….I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
….my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
….where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NLT
John 8:21-30 (<<click here to read the passage)
One of the biggest struggles that I have as a pastor is trying to figure out if I should say something or not and if I do, when I should say it. For example, sometimes people are out of line in their way of handling things. I really feel that they are headed into dangerous territory, but I also realize that I am fallible myself and don’t want to give them bad advice.
I’ve also been burnt when trying to help steer people clear of potential problems. Several years ago, a young lady I knew was getting involved with a great guy that I also knew, but at the time his divorce was still in the works – not because of our mutual friend but because that’s the way it was headed. I just advised her to be careful. She shared it with him, and he basically said for me to mind my own business and for some time only spoke to me on a professional level. Our relationship in time healed but it’s made me gun shy.
It’s hard in the church, too. By nature, I am not a confrontational person. I abhor conflict and, in my attempts to avoid it have probably caused as many problems as if I’d just taken the bull by the horns.
But look at Jesus in today’s passage. Now I realize that He and the Father were one, but He was still fully man. He is just so sure of Himself and there is not one ounce of hesitation when He says,
“I have many things to say and judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I say to the world [only] the things that I have heard from Him.” v26 AMP
I realize too that when Jesus was teaching His followers or working with the many who clamored for His attention and touch, He was spending time with His Father – late into the night and often way before the sun had begun to tint the horizon.
Jesus was able to pull it all together, just as He needed to. No wonder He was weary and worn…but that didn’t stop Him from doing all the necessary things that His Father had placed before Him. And obviously, Jesus knew just when and where to be to fulfill the Father’s will for every given day!
Lord Jesus, on this end of things I just don’t have it together! I need more focus…and that is totally on me. You are there to guide and direct. But many times, my head is just not in the game. My thoughts wander and I am far too easily distracted. All I can do is pray for Your strength and wisdom and that I will strive to be diligent in listening – really listening – to what You have to say to me. I give myself over to Your more than capable guidance. Amen.
June 28th, 2021, Mon, 9:31 pm
