John 7:7-10

7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil.

8 You go up to this feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 

9 When He had said these things to them, He remained in Galilee

10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.

“The Hatred of the World For Jesus…..and God’s Perfect Timing”– The World’s Persecution and  The Divine Timing of God

In these verses, Jesus is in the middle of a conversation with His unbelieving brothers. In verses 6 and 7, Jesus says paraphrasing, “It is not time for Me to go to Jerusalem, but you all can go anytime you want. The people of the world don’t hate you, but they hate Me because I tell them about all the evil things they are doing. I am honest with them, and they hate Me because of that. You guys go along with the evil that everyone is doing, and that is why they don’t hate you.” Let’s personally ask ourselves these questions: What about me? Am I going along with the world too much? Does the world hate Me, because I am honest about the truth of God’s Word? 1 John 3:13 tells us this, “Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you.” We shouldn’t be surprised if we are made fun of, mocked, or treated scornfully by the world. Jesus told us we would be. 2 Timothy 3:12 says this, “…..all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” It doesn’t say we “might” suffer persecution. It says we most definitely “will” suffer persecution. We are not supposed to blend in with the world. We are supposed to “stick out like a sore thumb” as the saying goes. Now, are we supposed to act “holier than thou” or “beat people over the head with the Bible” so to speak? Well…..not if we want to win anyone to Christ. We should “stick out” by the way we live our lives…..by our language, our actions and behavior, our reactions when things don’t go our way, our kindness towards everyone, our understanding towards others, our adherence to God’s Word, and our willingness to help others. Most of all, we are to stick out because of our honesty with others, but not honesty just to prove someone wrong…..honesty in order to save someone’s soul. We need to “stick out” in such a way that others will want what we have. Am I “sticking out” enough? Personally, I am a work in progress. I do “stick out” more than I used to! But, I need to do more to let people know that I belong to Christ, and not the world.

Then, in verses 8-9, Jesus tells them to go on ahead to the feast, but that He would not be going yet. It was not the right time for Him, so He stayed in Galilee. Jesus was on the Father’s perfect timetable, and nothing else mattered. We need to realize that we are also on the Father’s perfect timetable. We all get impatient when things aren’t going our way. We all want our prayers answered now, don’t we? But…..we have to wait on the Father’s timetable. It takes patience which I am lacking in for sure. Jesus was God so He knew the Father’s timetable. He was in perfect harmony with it. We don’t know what God’s timetable is so sometimes we lose patience, and try to do things on our own without God. Let’s just remember to be patient, and wait on the Lord to do His thing. Let’s all remember Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” What a beautiful verse! If only I could live by it all the time! And here is one more beautiful passage about waiting on God’s timetable, “The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:25-26) 

In verse 10, we see that Jesus eventually went to the feast, but not in a public way. He went in secret, but not because He was afraid of the Jewish leaders who were after Him. He went in secret so that He would be ready to reveal Himself when it was the Father’s perfect timing, and not a minute sooner. 

1 Peter 4:14 says this, “If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.” 1 Peter 4:16 says this, “ Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” It is very hard to endure the hate of the world as a Christian, but the reward of heaven will be worth every ounce of hate that we receive. So Sisters…..let’s encourage each other to be brave! And remember, Jesus is right by our sides through it all.

“And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22)

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about how to be saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus, and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves…..and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t or you are not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are…..believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better…..to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you Father for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan that God has set forth in His Word, for humankind to receive His grace that leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)