being on an everlasting journey of knowing and growing in Christ more is literally the best part of life.
in uncovering truths about Christ we uncover truths about ourselves and in relation to our experiences here on earth.
i’ve always struggled in my relationships with friends and community. some social norms don’t come as naturally to me and my perspective and thought patterns can come off as intense and/or insensitive. it created an insecurity in me and impacted my ability to make and have friends. (i’ve also always been adaptable & have made a way since my adolescence.) However, understanding why things are the way they are and uncovering secondary truths is not only empowering but brings wisdom.
that’s what chapter 9: the rock of offense in John Bevere’s book, The Bait of Satan, did for me.
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The story of John’s offense via Jesus while he was in jail is one i can relate to time and time again. feeling as if you deserve better, that you’re not being properly credited for your work, your accomplishments. feeling sorry for one’s self because another hasn’t lived up to our expectations. self-pity and pettiness.
“John is locked in prison and hears of Jesus’ ministry. he’s been locked up for some time and very few people are coming to visit. all your work has been in preparation of the Coming One and now that He’s here, are you even important anymore? Most of your followers have left you to follow Jesus. I mean you & Jesus have been locked in since you were in the womb and now He won’t even come visit you or get you out of jail. & you hear He out here hanging with thieves and prostitutes. He sends word to Jesus, “are you even the Coming One or are we waiting for another?!”
aahahahahahahahahaha.
John probably assuming the worst. being mad at the Father and Christ. he knows who Jesus is but he’s being a smart ass because he’s salty. and i mean, he’s in jail, not like we would blame him.
but Jesus is really out here fulfilling a prophecy that John helped usher in. He’s healing and reconnecting people to the Father. and He responds to John informing him of what’s going on and adds, “and blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” :)
Jesus knew John was feeling salty. & even though John’s perspective and behavior was unholy, Jesus had grace for Him understanding that Join is susceptible to fleshly and worldly feelings of fear & revenge.
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i’ve been John many many times and i’m lucky enough to have experienced being wrong. many times i believed someone did or didn’t do something just to hurt me. i have spent many hours stuck in my own head creating scenarios that reinforced the idea that no one loves me. and everytime, i regretted it.
my perspective was born out of hurt and fear. a losing combo. it was debilitating as it kept me stuck and in circles.
“John didn’t know the whole picture or plan of God, just as we do not know the complete picture today.”
These declarations from this chapter are so perfect for me and exactly what i needed at this time in my walk with Christ.
____________ DECLARATIONS
Father God, I want You to rule and reign in my life. I will not allow an attitude of spiritual legalism to rise above my desire for an intimate relationship with You.
Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, I declare that I will never wield the sword of division to my brothers and sisters in You, but I will live in peace with all who have called upon Your name and are part of Your kingdom.
Father, prevent me from being offended by the truth of Your Word when it is presented to me. Reveal my true motives so that I will never be tempted to uproot myself from those who preach Your truth.
Holy Spirit, enable me to live my life before my loved ones in such a way that they will see my love for You and be drawn to You.
Holy Spirit, remove any fear in me that if I do not fulfill the expectations of others, they will be hurt and offended by me.
Father, I will not allow an unpleasant response from others to deter from Your truth. I do not want to abandon the flow of the Spirit for the desires of men.