Guest SOAP Post from Mandy.
The reading for Saturday is John Chapter 7.
Here is what she heard:
Scripture:
John 7:21, 31, and 43 NKJV
Jesus answered and said to them, “I did one work, and you all marvel.”
And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”
So there was a division among the people because of Him.
John 7:24 NKJV
Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.
Observation:
Every time I read this passage of Scripture, I can’t help but feel shock, disappointment, and even pity for the people involved. They were there, rubbing shoulders with Jesus, watching His miracles firsthand. Yet their faith wavered and doubt increased. Even witnessing great miracles happening in front of them was not enough to convince them of Jesus’ divine royalty or unlimited power. The people with a front row seat to His miracles and teachings simply chalked it up as a good man or a prophet, and not as the Son of God.
I find that so appalling, until I read verse 24 again. I am judging these individuals according to my standards, and not my actions. I have seen God work miracles in my own life, or in the lives of those close to me, and yet I continually fall back into a pattern of doubt or lack of faith. I may not see Him in the flesh as they did, but I can still see crystal clear evidences of His presence and power all around me. And yet I still doubt and question His ability to care for me or lead me in His perfect way. It’s as if I am not convinced that He is God.
Application:
Remember that God is always God. No matter what our life’s circumstances are, no matter how discouraged we may feel, He is still in control. When doubt starts to creep in or our faith starts to shake, look at the miracles we have already seen. Look for His hand all around us. And marvel at His works, not our fears. When we are truly a child of God, He promises to take care of us, to make a way for us. Trust His works, not as proof of His power, but as reminders of it.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, in the midst of all the uncertainties of life, help me to remember what You have already done for me and in me. Help me to have faith in You, and to remember your miracles when my faith weakens. I praise You for all the incredible works I have had the privilege of reading about in Your Word, as well as for the ones You have done in my life and all around me. Help me to trust wholly and completely. Help me to be unlike those mentioned in this passage, and to live life as one who knows You are God!
Mandy is wife to her hero, mom to three blessings, and daughter to the King of Kings. She can be found at both her personal blogs – Pennies and Blessings where she shares ways to save money, spend wisely, and live well; and at Brokenness into Beauty, a site focused on the beauty in the miraculous reconciliation her family has experienced.
What about you? What did you see and hear in your reading of John 7?
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