MIRACLES THROUGH SHAME
But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the leading priests and Pharisees called the high council together. “What are we going to do?” they asked each other. “This man certainly performs many miraculous signs. If we allow him to go on like this, soon everyone will believe in him. Then the Roman army will come and destroy both our Temple and our nation.”
John 11:46-48 (NLT)
Verse 46 in this story, when the Pharisees basically go and tattletale on Jesus, baffles me. I mean, they recognize that Jesus raised a man from the dead, and then they go and then rather than celebrate what God did, they become afraid and predict the downfall of both the Temple of God and the entire nation!
Not everyone reacts positively when God moves miraculously in someone’s life, removing their guilt and shame and forgiving their sins. I wish it weren’t so, but sometimes, people root for us to fail. I pray you’re not one of those people in someone’s life.
As followers of Jesus, we must be the most positive and encouraging people. We must believe that God still does miracles. We can be sure that when God moves powerfully, the enemy will oppose Him.
APPLICATION: We must stay strong and focus on God’s movement in our lives. Even when other people seek to oppose God’s work, we must dig in and trust Him even more.
PRAYER: God, help me see You working around me even if I am experiencing opposition. Help me see Your movement more clearly than any circumstances around me. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?