Contemplative Bible Reading

John 7:2-4 (New Living Translation)

2 But soon it was time for the Jewish Festival of Shelters, 3 and Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where your followers can see your miracles! 4 You can’t become famous if you hide like this! If you can do such wonderful things, show yourself to the world!”

Most followers of Jesus Christ mean well. These statements are from Jesus’ own brothers. They  meant well, but listen to what they said:

You can’t become famous if you hide like this!

Gosh. If Jesus didn’t follow their advice, He wouldn’t be famous.

I cringe at the thought. How stupid was this advice? Yet, how correct from a worldly point of view. Of course they were right. You have to go to the big city to be big-city famous. Of course they were being just plain stupid.

Then we have me here today. I know how the world works. I am smart; I am accomplished, and I can give you all kinds of great advice. Is my advice, however, worldly or Godly? Uh, er, well, um, let’s change the subject quickly.

God, help me with my unbelief.