Daily Dose of the Word of God - John 7: 24

Justin Paul-Lawrence, Executive Director

Transcript

JPL  0:07  

Welcome to Elmhurst CRC’s Daily Dose of the Word of God.  It’s Friday, October 17th, but Sunday’s coming. I’m Justin Paul Lawrence. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of John, as we journey through the Bible this year with the spotlight on Jesus and with the Apostle John as our guide.

JPL  0:23  

Here is John 7:24:  “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.”

JPL  0:33  

So, this might be an unpopular opinion, but I feel bad for the Pharisees. I really do. Hear me out. Sure, they’re constantly ragging on Jesus for things that we’re in favor of. Right before this verse, Jesus reminds them that they were upset because he healed someone on the Sabbath and told him to pick up his mat and walk. Which was not allowed in a time of rest. But why would the Pharisees even care about someone carrying something on the Sabbath? Doesn’t this seem a little much? If you read the prophets or the stories about the Kings, you’ll hear about things way worse than carrying your mat on the Sabbath. I’m looking at you King David.  But of course this is AFTER the exile that came from those previous disobediences. The Jerusalem festivals are back and the temple has been rebuilt and the Pharisees really, really, really don’t want to go back into exile. Thus all of the worrying about Sabbath breaking. And tithing spices. Exile was bad. People were fed to lions and put in fiery furnaces. We don’t want that again. This is why Jesus makes them so nervous. He might upset all they’ve worked for to keep Yahweh from sending them into Exile. Again. But Jesus knows they’re missing the point. Really missing the point. All over John he says: “I and the Father are one” - look, I KNOW him, Jesus says again and again - “Stop judging by mere appearances and Judge correctly”- see what’s really going on. Jesus has this deeper understanding about what God’s really doing at this point in the story. 

JPL  2:08  

I’ve certainly been guilty of this. I’ve been overconfident that I can know what is happening in a situation that I really don't have proper insight into. And I need the Holy Spirit's guidance to see aright.  But in general, compared to the first century Pharisees, we do know what is going on. We have God's word and can see that he chooses little David over his older brothers, that Paul the persecutor can become an amazing apostle, and that God chooses imperfect people like us to be his plan for the world.  So this week, take a second look. Ask the one who knows what is really going on to guide you into seeing rightly. 

JPL 2:46  

Let's Pray. Lord, you want to guide us into your truth. But sometimes we get confused by appearances and don't see rightly. As we learn from your word and are filled by your spirit may we be able to see what you see. And know what you want us to do.