Tag Archives: divine affirmation

June 22
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“Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him.  But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.”  (John 12:42, NIV)

It is a natural desire to have the praise and affirmation of other people.

The people spoken of in today’s scripture passage loved Jesus, but they had a greater love for acceptance into the community (which was represented by the synagogue); and for the praise of those within that community.

As disciples of Jesus, our ambition is to seek the praise only of God.  There are times when others will also praise the things we do that please God; and there are times when being a friend of God will make you an enemy of those you see every day.  Particularly at such times, keep your eyes on God; grip His hand even tighter; and do your best to match His stride.

The preferences and the allegiances of other people is a crap-shoot.  The love, grace, and faithfulness of God is a sure bet, but it requires an uncompromising commitment to Him from us.  – Luther

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May 13
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“Isaiah answered, ‘This is the Lord’s sign to you that the Lord will do what he has promised: Shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or shall it go back ten steps?’ ‘It is a simple matter for the shadow to go forward ten steps,’ said Hezekiah. ‘Rather, have it go back ten steps.’ Then the prophet Isaiah called on the Lord, and the Lord made the shadow go back the ten steps it had gone down on the stairway of Ahaz.” (2 Kings 20: 9-11, NIV)

As a disciple of Jesus, it is best that we not seek signs and affirmations from the Lord because, as the scripture says: “We walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7)

But. . . when we persist in seeking a sign from God, we need to take the boldest, most audacious course so that we will know, for all time, that it was the Lord God — not coincidence, circumstance, or good fortune — that made it all happen. 

And having been given a front-row seat to the faithfulness and magnificence of our heavenly Father, we should be convinced — forever — of His love and faithfulness; returning as necessary to the place where God revealed Himself faithful and true, but never again needing a divine sign.

Remember the divine visitations, and God’s answers to our audacious prayers, and the desire for new affirmations from God will be satisfied by the memory of our experiences.  – Luther

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