Have you ever been doing something and the naysayers were full of questions? They doubted your ideas and didn’t support your choices. In addition, they mocked you with their words and actions. As a result, you wonder if you’re making the right decisions. Surely, everyone can’t be wrong but you? Should you listen to the crowd or continue on your way? Press on.
The Story: John 7:1-13
In John 7:1-13, Jesus left Judea and went to Galilee. He left the area because the Jews sought to kill Him. Because the Feast of Tabernacle was approaching, his brothers wanted Him to return to Judea. They remarked that the disciples might want to see the works that He could do. Also, no one does anything in secret if they want public recognition. Their words were the results of their unbelief. However, Jesus spoke that His time had not yet come. In addition, He advised that the world hates Him because He speaks the truth about their evil deeds. As a result, they should go without Him.
After His brothers left, Jesus journeyed to Judea. His presence wasn’t known because He didn’t go up publicly. While He was there, the Jews kept looking for Him. People in the crowd questioned who Jesus was. However, no one spoke openly for fear of the Jews.
The Lesson
As Jesus faced people who questioned His assignment, we will too. Some will be family and friends, while others will be outsiders. Regardless of the questioning crowd, our assignment remains the same. As a result, there’s no need to change course because the crowd doesn’t understand. We have an assignment so we press on.
In addition, Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” This passage becomes our foundation. Therefore, our assignment came from the Lord and not the crowd. He didn’t convene a committee when He gave us the assignment. Therefore, we press on with the One who called us to our purpose and assignment.
But how do we press on in the face of the crowd?
- Know who you are and your purpose. The brothers thought they knew Jesus because of their relationship. However, Jesus knew who He was and His purpose. We must know the same. Without full confirmation of this, we will be tossed off our assignment.
- Watch the motives of the crowd. Everyone that says they’re for us, they are not. Monitor their words and actions. Don’t follow anyone or anything that goes against our assignment.
- Press on. Our assignment is our assignment. We may be hidden now but at the right time, we will make our public appearance. Continue on the path set before us.
Therefore, we press on with our assignment because God has a future (Jeremiah 29:11) and a prize for us (Philippians 3:14).
