Jesus and Pilate are engaged in a tense conversation just before Jesus is led away to be crucified. In the English Standard Version, John 18:37 says, “… For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world — to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Jesus knew his purpose.
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Can you imagine a priest who cannot talk? Zechariah was such a man. As a result of challenging — instead of trusting — the message of Gabriel that his long ago prayers were being answered … that his wife would conceive and bear a son and his name would be John (Luke 1:13), Zechariah lost his ability to talk. Did Zechariah’s muteness and unbelief change God’s purpose for his life?
The Lord reminded Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you;” (Jeremiah 1:5). That was true for Jeremiah; it was true for Zechariah; it is true for me and you too. Ephesians 1:5 reminds, “In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,”
Because I have a good forgetter, I remind myself of these truths almost daily. Long before I was born God had a plan and a purpose for me and for you too. Sometimes it’s hard for me to trust; sometimes it’s very encouraging.
Back to Luke 1. Gabriel now visits Mary (verses 26, 27). Mary’s response differed from Zechariah’s challenge to Gabriel’s message. Mary’s was one of trust and also the desire for more understanding (verse 34). She reflected on Gabriel’s message (verse 29); she submitted to the miraculous (verse 38); she sought the company of an older, godly woman (verses 39, 40); and she deflected all the glory to God (verses 47-55).
Mary submitted to the miraculous purpose Gabriel was announcing to her. My response is more often, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24) UGH! I need to grow!
“Nothing you see, is impossible with God.
Mary, you have nothing to fear. I have told you all you need to know for now.
You are more ready than you realize, stronger than you know.”
from Touching Wonder, by John Blase
(I read his book every December and never fail to hear from God.)
I want to be like Mary. I want to believe and act on the purposes of God for my life.
Two things hold me back, keep me stuck — fear and other good opportunities.
The last phrase of John 18:37 speaks to that fear, “Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” I’ve been hearing God’s voice through his word and through many friends. I need to listen. I need to trust scriptures that I memorized years ago, like …
“fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
I am an extrovert; I am a people connector; I am an idea person. That means it’s easy for me to offer ways to improve. And God has designed a purpose for me and if I’m going to live that purpose out, I need to pull-back!! Everyone does not need my ideas. I need to keep focused on God, to listen, to respond to him and not to all the other opportunities that lay in front of me.
My hyphenated word for 2021 — Pull-back. As I’ve continued to think about this, I added purpose.
Because of God’s purpose for me, I’m practicing pull-back.
What about you? What word has God given you for 2021?
Copyright, Sue Tell, January 2021