Reflecting Christ
Scripture – John 7:15-20: The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?” “You are demon-possessed,” the crowd answered. “Who is trying to kill you?”
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) This is another of those confrontations Jesus had with the Jewish leaders in front of a crowd of “ordinary” people. Again, He is quite pointed in what He says to the Jews. The implication seems to be they have been looking to gain honor for themselves. Their focus on the law was bringing attention back to them rather than to God, the giver of the law. For the past few months I have been consistently drawn back to Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses.” The attention must go to Him – not to me or the church. I wonder what kind of conversation would Jesus have with us today.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I’ll be careful as I move through this day and this week to intentionally direct people’s attention to Christ. If it starts with the church, or even with me, like a mirror reflecting light, I will adjust so people looking into the mirror will see Him.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Lord, please forgive me for the times I seek attention for me. I do that more than I care to admit. Save me from the power of personal pride. Be honored through my life and our corporate life today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture) This is another of those confrontations Jesus had with the Jewish leaders in front of a crowd of “ordinary” people. Again, He is quite pointed in what He says to the Jews. The implication seems to be they have been looking to gain honor for themselves. Their focus on the law was bringing attention back to them rather than to God, the giver of the law. For the past few months I have been consistently drawn back to Jesus’ words in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses.” The attention must go to Him – not to me or the church. I wonder what kind of conversation would Jesus have with us today.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read) I’ll be careful as I move through this day and this week to intentionally direct people’s attention to Christ. If it starts with the church, or even with me, like a mirror reflecting light, I will adjust so people looking into the mirror will see Him.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer) Lord, please forgive me for the times I seek attention for me. I do that more than I care to admit. Save me from the power of personal pride. Be honored through my life and our corporate life today.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, join us at Tim Hortons (Dix and Northline in Southgate) today, 9:45 – 10:30am.
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