Jesus Would Not

Daily Reading: John 7

Scripture Focus: After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him. (John 7.1)

Devotional Thought: Jesus was courageous, but not careless. He lived by faith, but he did not tempt fate. He recognized that God's kingdom advanced reliably but not randomly. So, when he was faced with danger in Judea, he moved his ministry to Galilee.

As I thought about this, I couldn't help but wonder about the innocent people in Judea. The leaders rejected Jesus, but the populace paid the price. How many sick people died? How many lame people continued to limp? How many sinners continued carrying a load of guilt? All because some people - threatened by the truth of Jesus - sought to eliminate him and his influence.

I wonder, too, about innocent people today. I believe that Jesus freely goes where he's wanted and welcomed, but in those places where his message is rejected, he does not "go about."

• In homes where Jesus' love is shunned in favor of anger, jealousy and control, Jesus cannot go about with freedom and hope. Family members are hurt by the selfishness of others in the home.

• In hearts where Jesus' fire is quenched by negativity, complaint, greed, and bitterness, Jesus cannot go about freely and effectively. Doubt and fear thrive in those hearts where faith and confidence are thrown off.

• In houses of worship where Jesus' holiness is replaced by selfishness, Jesus cannot go about with conviction and power. The church falls into apathy and antipathy. Lost people stay lost, the lukewarm fail to be warmed, and the sick are not healed.

Let us determine that we will be among those who welcome and magnify the presence of Jesus. Let's set him free in our minds and in our midst. Welcome him where you are today!

Prayer: Jesus, come into my heart and help me to be a locus of holy love, a flame of holy fire, a zenith of holy zeal - so that my presence will invite your presence, so that those around me may be loved, warmed, and energized in you. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! 2 Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! 3 Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul, "I am your salvation!" 4 Let them be put to shame and dishonor who seek after my life! Let them be turned back and disappointed who devise evil against me! 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them away! 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them! 7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my life. 8 Let destruction come upon him when he does not know it! And let the net that he hid ensnare him; let him fall into it--to his destruction! (Psalms 35:1-8)