My baby, the Bible Blogger, is half-way to a decade. The life I have lived in such a short period of time is amazing. Over these years, you’ve shared with me as my struggles, successes, and ah-ha moments inspired blogs connecting the Bible to every day life. As life continues, we’re also going to continue learning and sharing together! Here’s my challenge to you today: The Bible Blogger is 5-years old, so share this blog with 5 friends, family members, or coworkers and encourage them to do the same. Let’s spread the Word together! Now, onto Scripture.
I can do nothing on my own initiative. Just as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I do not seek my own will, but the will of the one who sent me. John 5:30
New English Translation
Those words were spoken by Jesus. Yep, you read that right, Jesus said that. Jesus sought the will of God, not His own will. Are you confused? No shame, there’s a lot to factor in here. You’re probably going…but…isn’t Jesus God?? So, how could His will and God’s will be different? Good question. Let’s dive into that.
Jesus is God, 100% divine. However, He was also 100% human. I know, 200% being?! Where’s the math here? That’s the great thing, God is not confined by human concepts like we are. He’s outside of time, space, and math! Because of that, yes, He was always God, but He still had to address the human part of Him. How else would He be able to offer Himself as a final substitute for us if He weren’t fully aware of the human nature and struggle? So, while still fully divine, He lowered Himself to the human experience, felt what we feel and struggled like we struggle. The even cooler thing is that He perfectly overcame every struggle that could ever challenge Him. Where we would fail, He succeeds. Where we would sin, He resisted. Fully God, fully human.
Knowing that, we’re able to take a whole new perspective to Jesus’ words in John 5. Jesus was saying that His actions weren’t done through His human nature. He wasn’t allowing human pride, envy, or any other form of insecurity to take the lead. Jesus was letting God take the lead. Why else would Jesus be able to judge rightly? Because He wasn’t letting His humanity get in the way of following God.
My question to you is this: Are you letting your human nature get in the way of God?
It’s so easy to let our wants, preferences, and worries dictate our decisions. However, we’re not supposed to live that way. What if Jesus had done that? He could have taken so many different paths. He could has kissed up to the Pharisees, He could have let the people force Him to be an earthly king, He could have avoided the cross. The options are limitless. Yet, we have salvation available to us today because He decided that God was smarter than human tendencies. Take this in: You’re not the smartest person in the room.
Yep, that’s right, you’re not the smartest person in the room. Why? Because God is EVERYWHERE. So, He’s in the room with you right now. And, according to Paul, even the foolishness of God is wiser than the wisdom of man (1 Corinthians 1:25). Even if you think God’s choice is stupid, it’s still smarter than anything you’re going to come up with. Sorry for the bruised egos, but I’m not sorry for speaking truth.
When are we going to stop pretending our way is better? We like to run around chasing whatever catches our fancy, when all we need to do is stop and listen to God. How often do you spend time just asking God’s opinion? I know that I don’t do it nearly enough. What’s stopping us?
Likely, fear is stopping us. We’re afraid that what we think is the safest bet to get what we want won’t be what God wants. Hmmm, but aren’t we supposed to desire what He desires anyways? Food for thought here. If we’re aligned with God, then there is nothing to fear since our desires will begin to shift to God’s desires. Don’t be afraid. God’s got a plan.
So, on this 5-year Anniversary I dare to be bold…though not bolder than usual. Are you ready to let go? Are you done pretending to be following God but merely chasing after your own desires while calling yourself a Christian? If you pursue anything other than God and His desires, you can’t rightly call yourself a follower of Christ, because you’re following your selfishness. Now’s the time to change things. You’re not guaranteed tomorrow, so don’t live pretending you are. Today is the day to cast aside your human desires and embrace God. Will you take the leap?
Don’t forget Quill’s challenge. In honor of 5 years of blogging, share this post with 5 people and prompt them to do the same.