In the world’s atmosphere of chaos, conspiracies and confusion it is vital, as Believers, to keep our eyes on the One who is above all things. John 3;31 (speaking of Jesus), “He that comes from heaven is above all”. 1 Corinthians 15:27 “He has put all things under His feet…..”
If we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will avoid the world’s confusion. Historically, Satan had an intention to eradicate the Son of God, but Satan was used unknowingly, by God, in God’s greater plan of redemption. God had the last word, and always will. Evil and maligned intentions will not thwart God’s final purposes.
It is vital for us to learn discernment to know what is right, more than what is wrong. James 1:5-6 instructs us to ask the Lord for His wisdom.
Jesus upbraided the Pharisees for their lack of discernment of the times. The longed for Messiah was living right there among them, yet their pride blinded their discernment. Matthew 16:2-3 Jesus scolding the pharisees said, “…..When it is evening you say, It will be fair weather for the sky is red. And in the morning, It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and lowring. O you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but can you not discern the signs of the times?” The pharisees’ criticism and hard hearts blinded their eyes. They had no discernment to recognise the Messiah among them. They were insensitive.
My heart can become hardened through sin, unbelief, but also through insensitivity. Thus it is so important to keep my eyes on the Lord to stay sensitive and have His gift of discernment of times and the cacophony of voices filling the media.
Many Believers are speaking authoritatively in this crisis. It is important to hear the Voice of God. Sadly, there are many self appointed people who are broadcasting their tainted personal views as though they are the oracle of God. A dangerous place! Jesus only ever spoke the words His Father gave Him, that is why they were “Spirit and life”. He had no personal agenda to uphold, nothing to prove. The sole purpose of His life was to do the Father’s will with no agenda for personal gain.
When crises invade our lives, there is a tendency to believe that faith is the greatest attribute a Believer can have. Very subtly we can take that faith and believe that our expression of it is better than some others, using scriptures to prove our standing and point, (not God’s). We forget that it is God who exalts a person walking in humility. A man who exalts himself in his pride will fall. 1 Peter 5: 5-6 “Likewise , ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yes, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, and gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time”.
1 Corinthians 13 is widely known as the love chapter. While we recognise that “without faith it is impossible to please God”, (Hebrews 11:6), our faith MUST be expressed through love, the greatest attribute according to God’s word. 1 Corinthians 13:2 declares that if I have faith to remove mountains, though without love, then I am nothing. God sees my heart, my motive. All self glory is as a filthy rag before Him, and I am nothing but a big noise, a sounding brass or tinkling cymbal. Although we declare that we want Jesus to be seen in us, our actions fall short. Many would say, “I cannot hear what you say for the noise of what you are!” Demonstration speaks louder than words. The faith my lips declare I am walking in, must be expressed in love. Love is not just words but must find a practical expression. “God so loved…..that He gave….” John 3:16 Where does God’s love in me that I declare I have, find a practical expression and demonstration?
King Solomon pleased the Lord when he asked for wisdom and personal understanding to discern judgement, instead of personal gain. God granted his request and he became the wisest man that ever lived. Sadly, he went astray later in life and died the biggest fool!
Jacob was a deceiver and one of the biggest twisters in life. However, later in life he changed his ways through his encounters with the Lord and became a prince of God. Jacob released more and more through life, until his only expectation was from God alone. These two lives demonstrate that it is not how you start but how you finish! Change comes through our choices. No matter what our failings have been, Jesus will redeem our lives if we choose to repent, walk in humility and He will bring the divine exchange we need to walk in His ways. He lights our path with His Word, as we embrace it and walk it out, we see more light to walk in. “The eyes of our understanding are enlightened” and He gives us discernment of the times we are living in.
In this dark world, have faith – “The path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day”, Proverbs 4:18.
Stay close to Jesus, keep sensitive!
