(John 7 : 1-9)After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. 2 But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, 3 Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. 4 No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” 5 For even his own brothers did not believe in him.
6 Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. 8 You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” 9 After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee
The religious leaders were waiting to literally kill Jesus. But I wonder what are the things that are killing you? It says that He purposely stayed away from Judea. What do you need to purposely stay away from in this season of your life? What do you need to purposely stop thinking about in this season of your life? Who do you need to purposely stop comparing yourself to in this season of your life?
Jesus said I’m not going to Judea because you want me to go to Judea. I don’t have to go to prove it. I don’t have to turn stones into bread to show that I’m the Son of God. I live out of purpose not for popularity. I live out a purpose not for the praises of man, but for the praise that can only come from God, and I wonder if there is somebody today who is content to stay in Galilee to know that it is your season to be obedient, and that’s all you have to do.
Blessings
Pastor Gary