Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Jews’ Feast of Booths. Crowds were already marveling, saying, “How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?” Take a moment to think about Jesus’ response in John 7:16-17.
“My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”
When we read the Bible, we’re exposing our hearts and opening our minds to the very will of God. It’s not uncommon to hear New Testament writers say something like, “This is the will of God for you.” In 1 Peter 4:1-2, the apostle Peter straightforwardly called on disciples of Jesus to not only hear the will of God, but to live the rest of our lives for the will of God, which leads us back to Jesus’ words in John 7.
“My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”
Every time I open God’s book, I’m confronted with a supremely important question: “What’s my will?”
If my will is to do my will, I may read the Bible and grow in knowledge, but I’ll fail to wholeheartedly apply what I’ve read. I’ll pick and choose, selectively allowing God to redirect my steps as I see fit. I’ll want him as my Savior when I need him, but I’ll read his revelation to mankind as the “lord” of my own heart. Bringing my own appetites that still revolve around my own self-will, I’ll walk away from this intellectual exercise largely unmoved, unchanged, and unmotivated to make any real sacrifice of myself because my will is to do my will.
On the other hand, if my will is to do God’s will, every interaction with the Bible is an opportunity to grow in knowledge and flourish in spirit. I’ll adopt and apply the motto of Samuel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” I’ll open the gate of my heart to his teaching, reproof, and correction that I might be trained in righteousness, directed in life the way it was meant to be, thoroughly equipped for the rest of my time on earth. I’ll read God’s word as if he is Lord of all, including me. Bringing a personal sense of hunger and thirst for righteousness, I’ll be satisfied over and over again at the fount of every blessing.
Every time I open the Bible, I’m confronted with this question: “What’s my will?” My Creator’s will has been clearly revealed and I have such easy access to it.
The word of God is living and active, sharped than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb 4:12-13)
In the meantime, this 2,000-year-old statement of Jesus continues to echo. “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will…”
That’s my opportunity. That’s your responsibility. Today. To consistently expose our hearts and humbly open our minds to God’s revealed will. To submit our wills to his will. Ten thousand years from now, no one will regret having had their own will shaped into harmony with God’s will, but far, far too many will long for just one more opportunity that will no longer be available.
Every time I open God’s book, I’m immediately confronted with an eternally-serious question: “Is my will to do God’s will?”
If not, what needs to change?
Onward rejoicing I tread life’s way;
Higher I’m climbing each passing day;
Hilltops of glory now rise in view,
Where all shall be made new.
Way down in Egypt ‘mid burning sand,
Moses had started for Canaan’s land;
Never turn backward, always ascend
On to the journey’s end.
Footsteps of Jesus before us lead;
We tread life’s journey, His warnings heed;
Evil allurements cannot prevail;
I’m on the upward trail.
Hilltops of glory I now can see;
O brother, won’t you come go with me?
Safe on the mountain I soon shall stand—
Hilltops of glory land.
- Roy Harris (1944)
Most Recent Sermon
Current Building Blocks Series
Resources available at InGodsImage.com
Dear Jason,
You don’t know me but I grew up not far from New Albany IN. As a matter of fact I used to work across the river at what was then ‘Jewish Hospital.’
I grew up in Oldham County from 6 months old in ‘54 until I moved away in ‘97.
I guess it’s been a couple of years ago I somehow ran across “In His Image.”
It was earlier this year while going through some difficult times trying to hold my 44 year marriage together, that I took a closer look at your email. What really caught my eye was the title of your first book ‘Open My Eyes.’ I noticed I could review the book and a more recent one, including reading portions on Amazon.
I purchased both and I praise God for your
ability to put uncommon clarity into easily understood everyday situations from experiences going back thousands of years from God’s Word.
You have an uncanny ability to touch the Soul from a few words of Scripture. That power comes directly from a mutually respectful relationship of love between you and your redeemer.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! My Soul has been so nourished, I have started a list of individuals to whom I wish to purchase the perfect Birthday present.
God Bless,
John jr.