We live in a world that mistakenly maligns God by portraying Him as this “stern, uncaring, always shaking a finger at you in displeasure” kind of God. It is no wonder that many turn away from God because of this man made “religious” connotation of who He is…
Think about it this way – have you ever had people who haven’t taken the time to know you, judge you? Seriously, how has that made you feel? There is nothing like being around a bunch of soliloquy having people, who are opinionated and not interested in letting you get a word in edge-wise because they “think” they know. But the truth is, the only one they impress are themselves and the sad thing is 9 out of 10 times, what they “think” they know – is wrong. My grandmother had a saying that went like this:
“People who think they know it all, really annoy those of us who do.”
It’s true if you think about it… Knowledgeable people don’t have to profess what they know. They are not looking to impress anyone. They don’t have to, besides that it is absolutely exhausting to talk with someone who thinks they are an expert of everything in life. There’s no convincing them otherwise, especially when it comes to the subject of God. The connotation that many people have about God, is wrong and the sad thing is, because people don’t take the time to personally get to know Him for themselves, they don’t realize how wrong the image religious people have made of Him is wrong. They talk ABOUT God, but like a soliloquy, they don’t allow Him a word in edgewise. God has blessed each one of us with “free will” and sadly enough it is abused, because the freedom that the true living, loving God purchased for us in John 3:16 goes often unappreciated and unrecognized.
“God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”
One cannot enter into a personal relationship with someone who is ALL about themselves. The “ME ME ME” mentality or in this day and age we refer to it as the spirit of entitlement. When you think about it, that is the TOTAL opposite of how Jesus conducted Himself as well as how He asked His followers to be.
Even though we know that Jesus is part of the Trinity, I don’t think it is incorrect to assume that while He walked this earth, how lonely He must have felt at times… In a very human sense, Jesus was alone. Think about it, He was without sin around sinful people.
Hebrews 4:15 says:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.”
What was the human side of life like for Him growing up? If we as God’s Called Remnant (followers of Jesus) can be ostracized by friends and loved ones because of our faith walk, how MUCH more so was it for the Son of God? John 7:5 tells us:
“For even his own brothers did not believe in Him.”
Are you surrounded by “pious religious people” who function like the Pharisees of old? Jesus knows what that is like too. Just remember, they do NOT represent the truth of who He is, or how He wants you to conduct yourself as the believer He has called you to be. Jesus warned the disciples about religious people (the Pharisees and Sadducees) in Matthew 16:5-12:
“When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
Watch out for the “muffin men/women” in your life who are puffed up about self and tearing down everyone they come in contact with, I refer to people like this as “spiritual piranhas” don’t allow the yeast of them to ruin your perception of who Jesus is. There is a difference in knowing Him personally as Lord and Savior and knowing OF Him. Remember when Jesus asked Peter, “Who do you say I am?” He’s asking you the same. (See below) Matthew 16:13-17:
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” He asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.”
Such is the same with us, if Holy Spirit has given you ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to receive the Truth, than you know personally for yourself, who Jesus is. It can feel VERY lonely living in a world where so many are spiritually blind. Although we are IN the world, we (having accepted Jesus as Savior, and having made Him Lord OVER our lives) are not of the world. Jesus said in John 15:18 -21:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”
Jesus knows what it feels like to feel alone. He knows the pain of rejection. He knows what it feels like to be ostracized for your faith. There was no one who could put their arms around Jesus and tell Him, “I know exactly what You are going through.” BUT Jesus can say that to YOU. Hebrews 19:29 says:
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
Yet Ephesians 2:19 tells us:
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
So don’t be surprised by the “muffin men/women” in your life. YOU know who Jesus is. You are learning who YOU are in Christ. James 4:8 tells us:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.”
Regardless of what the enemy whispers into your ear, you are NOT alone. God IS with you. Give Him your loneliness and let Him fill you with more of Him and less of this world. Child YOU belong to Him.
“Father, I thank You so much for loving me enough to leave the glories of Heaven, to reach me, right where I am at. Thank You for loving me enough to send Your Son, my Savior to die on the cross for forgiveness of my sins. Thank You for raising Him from the dead and that even now, He is seated at Your right hand interceding on my behalf. Forgive me for the times when I have let the Pharisees and Sadducees of this day and age influence who You are and who I am to You in my life. Please give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to receive ALL that YOU say I am. Help me to know You better, to hold Your Word closer to my heart. Let me be more concerned with what YOU desire of me than what people desire. Please heal up the “people wounds” within me and help me to forgive those who persecute me for my faith in You, just as Jesus did. Please bring people into my life who love You just as I love You. Deflate the muffin men/women and help them to walk humbly instead of full of pride and help me not to be filled with anything other than Your Spirit. I love You Lord. Thank You that I can speak freely to You in prayer, because that is what having a “personal relationship” with You is all about. Please be glorified in this life, which I have committed back to You. In Jesus’ precious name I pray. AMEN.”
Is Holy Spirit speaking to your heart through this word? If so, leave a comment below! I love hearing from you!
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