Scripture
Jesus went on to say, “To what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling out to each other:
“‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not cry.’ For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Luke 7:31-35
Reflection
Well, I know who Jesus can compare this current generation (those of us who live today) to… the ones he was speaking to and about in the verses above. How little we have learned and applied, yet we have a Handbook and have been granted the intimate connection to God, through prayer and petition. Yet look at us. Oy vey!
Who gave us the autonomy to serve as judge of others, yet feel insulted and victimized when judged in return? No one. God said He’s the Judge. Know your place and assume it respectfully and humbly. If you don’t want to be judged by people then don’t judge others.
Be more than satisfied with what God provides to you each day. Don’t ask yourself what your religious leader would do or model yourself after them. Instead, follow Jesus’ example. Even with us having limited documentation on him and how he lived, he is still the perfect model of living righteously, justly, and with grace and dignity. You can combine all of the people you know and their efforts and character would still fall short of Yeshua HaMashiach.
We have numerous examples of religious figures who are just as or more dysfunctional than the most perverse in their congregation, so why would you emulate that fraudulent leader, and then be disappointed when they let you down? Instead emulate the man that was declared and proven to be the Way-shower.
It’s one thing to admire a person and the qualities that they express, but be mindful that those qualities come from God, just like all of your positive qualities; and your identity is not tied to theirs, so your mind is not to be molded and led by them. You are unique and have a calling on your life, and God needs you focused on His voice and direction, fulfilling your purpose not someone else’s plan. Let God use those other people as He sees fit and you connect with them as He guides you.
Don’t turn these folks into idols and gods. Don’t give them the power and authority over you and your household. Don’t find yourself saying, “Pastor said…Father so-and-so said…Bishop said… Elder said…or Guru so-and-so said…” more than you’re speaking of what God said and says, has and is doing. Everyone has a God-assigned role, don’t step in and start promoting them to new ones.
Don’t immerse yourself in other books and pay little attention to the Bible. Heck yeah the Bible is tough reading. I’ve read it in-full four times and it never gets easier to dive into, but I do find that I’m always learning something new, something I had overlooked, or that wasn’t relevant or applicable before but is now.
Referring back to the Bible verses above, do you know who was feeding those lies the townspeople were spewing? The religious and community leaders. Jesus was trying to free people’s minds and hearts but they were so brainwashed by their leaders that they didn’t realize that their King (who they desperately waited hundreds of years for) stood before them.
Don’t be blinded by this world, like they were. Don’t remain shackled to things that God released you from. Don’t chase behind folks who are appointed or self-appointed, when you should be aligned with God’s anointed. And the only way to tell who’s the anointed is by asking God.
Each day let’s make this our focus and let’s spend quality time in prayer to ensure we are properly aligned. Have an amazing weekend!
Prayer
Father, keep me humble and grounded. Keep me focused on Your mission and my purpose. Let my learned lessons bring me better insight and great wisdom. I may ask for clarification but I don’t want to question You with doubt. I’d rather walk where You direct me, in a trusted partnership.
I want my life to model Jesus not the men and women of this world. Not wanting to be judged, remind me of this so that I refrain from passing judgment on others. Show me how to do right, think right, and speak right Father. In Your Name I pray. In Your Name I rebuke the enemy. Amen.
Love,
Natasha
Copyright 2012-2022. Natasha L. Foreman. Some Rights Reserved. All Prayers and Reflections are Copyright Protected by Natasha L. Foreman. breakingbreadwithnatasha.com
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