Friday, March 1, 2013

Morning Psalm: 69 | Evening Psalm: 73
Jeremiah 5:1-9 | Romans 2:25-3:18 | John 5:30-47

Whom do we Please?

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
(John 5:30)

It is interesting to regard the Old Testament and consider the various evidences of God and His grace. It seems so one-sided. The people of Israel wanted relief and redemption from Egypt, so God raised up Moses. Hannah persistently prayed for a son; God heard her prayers and Samuel was born. David desired to build a dwelling place for God, but God desired David to build a nation instead. David’s son, Solomon, had difficult footsteps to follow and asked God for wisdom, which God was pleased to provide. In the next centuries of their history, the Israelites knew something was missing because they felt separation from God, which presented itself in the need for a Messiah. The Israelites ask because they believe that God has more, and God keeps giving.

God gave them a Messiah; and Jesus gives back. Jesus is faithful and obedient. Everything He says and does is meant to give glory back to His Father. Every time that He taught, healed, and performed miracles, Jesus was attempting to point the people to God. That in itself is a lesson. Ultimately, Jesus gave the last thing that He could give to the people; He gave his own life, and in so doing He offers the last thing of significance that God will give. The promise is complete.

Yes, we continue to ask for God to restore health and relationships, for faith in difficult times, and for fulfillment for today and tomorrow; never satisfied. But we know that God has poured himself out completely. Everything, now, is related to the gift of His Son, our Lord and Savior, who poured Himself out for our salvation—directed to God. Everything is connected to Jesus’ atoning sacrifice—directed to God. We continue to petition God for His works and wonders to please ourselves and meet our desires. Following Jesus’ example, we should be seeking to please the One who sends us.

The Rev. William J. Starr (DMin student)
Pastor, Central Highlands United Methodist Church
Elizabeth, PA