PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 21:23-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Matthew 21:27)
Most of us have questions for God, but are we prepared to hear the truth?
The religious leaders wanted answers, but they did not want to be questioned.
Jesus exposes hypocrisy, being more concerned about their positions than the truth.
If God were to interrogate us, it would get very awkward… ask Job.
“Let him who accuses God answer Him!” (Job 40:2)
“I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (Job 42:3)
Many people today challenge God and Jesus, as if they know better.
We put God in the witness stand, and demand that He answer our questions.
God is not afraid of the truth, and one day the whole truth will be revealed.
But the truth will expose our hearts and minds, humbling our wisdom and logic.
The truth will reveal our selfish bias, our inconsistencies, our blind spots.
By all means, wrestle with God, bring Him your questions, doubts and fears.
But do so with humility, and aware that truth is much bigger than we can handle.
And be prepared, because He will have some questions for us as well.
PRAYER
Lord, who do I think I am, that I might challenge You? I bring my questions and doubts in humility, certain that Your wisdom is greater than mine, Your answers better than mine.
I’m reminded that Jesus did not take this opportunity to boast in himself, or try argue his way out of the discussion but redirected the attention to God, who’s authority we are all under. Lord help me serve you in this way, that all glory and attention would be redirected to you.
O Lord God almighty you are the Absolute Truth. Jesus as your follower I trust you are the Way the Truth and the Life. I humbly present to you my questions, my doubts, my struggles for this life’s challenges. Help me in my unbelief. Help me O Holy Spirit to never lose track of the Way and the Truth while enjoying the Life in Jesus and pointing others to Him so their questions, doubts, and struggles will be answered..
Often when I traveled on unmarked county roads in a foreign land, I would ask the locals for directions. I learned to never ask by affirmation – is this the way, the direction to … rather ask can you tell me the best way to go to … from here – or how would you go? You get different answers – because the locals will say yes you can go that way .. but would not readily volunteer what is the better or more direct way to go. When questions are asked of someone – you need to be able to trust the person to give you the right answer. Were the persons asking Jesus really ready to trust and believe His response? Jesus left them intrigued -they had to discover for themselves – and later events may help them decide who Jesus is. If I believe Jesus as the Messiah I must take him at His word – he is reliable and trustworthy and will give me the right answers- help me to walk in the Jesus way every day I pray..
Jesus is the answer.
I am not my own but belong to Him. The religious leaders wanted people’s praise. I need to praise my Maker. He is the truth and the Life and His Light needs to shine through me.
O Master, let me walk with Thee
In lowly paths of service free;
Tell me Thy secret, help me bear
The strain of toil, the fret of care.
2
Help me the slow of heart to move
By some clear, winning word of love;
Teach me the wayward feet to stay,
And guide them in the Godward way.
3
Teach me Thy patience; still with Thee
In closer, dearer company,
In work that keeps faith sweet and strong,
In trust that triumphs over wrong.
4
In hope that sends a shining ray
Far down the future’s broad’ning way,
In peace that only Thou canst give,
With Thee, O Master, let me live.