Living in Obscurity

“You can’t be famous when you hide like this! If you’re so great, prove it to the world!” John 7:4

Jesus’ brothers were mocking him when they said these words.  The world often mocks us in similar ways.  They want us to prove how great we are, prove our worth.  It’s so very contrary to God’s way of things.  As Christians, we are called to humility.  We are to make Him known—not ourselves.  Today's culture is "all about me," and because this message is so very blatant and pervasive it requires us to be equally blatant and intentional in saying "no" to selfishness.

Jesus tells in Matthew 3:8 that we are to prove something else, "Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God."

In examining John 7 further we see that Jesus' own brothers did not even believe He was the Messiah in the early days of His ministry. They taunted Him along with the religious leaders, but Jesus did not waver in the Father's plan.  Once His brothers left for the Festival of Shelters, Jesus went secretly to the event, and then found His way to the Temple to teach and deliver God's message to the people.  He conducted His life in obscurity and it was God who made Him known to the world.

Often the haters and fearmongers in the world treat the Jesus they see in us the very same way.  They dismiss us, our gifts, and any and every good thing God accomplishes through the fragile jars of clay that we are.  These are the times we must get alone with God in prayer and be sure of His plan for us.

But this same Jesus who called many and chose a few is faithful.  1 Peter 5:6 tells us, "So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor."

Obscurity in the world's eyes does not equal obscurity in God's.  

"Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the Lord" (Psalm 107:43).

“But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then” (Mark‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬).

Goodnight, Runners.