Our Physical Safety - Who is Responsible?
Rev. Osei Kwabena Nkrahene | June 14, 2024 | John 11:54-57
KEY VERSE:
Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples. John 11:54 (ESV)
MESSAGE:
Divine Responsibility: John 7:30 and John 11:7-10 suggest that as long as we are within God's timing, our physical safety is assured. This highlights the role of divine protection in our lives. We can trust that God’s providence and care will keep us safe as we fulfil His purposes.
Human Responsibility: Other passages emphasize our responsibility to ensure safety in life and ministry. For example, David and his followers sought refuge in strongholds while King Saul pursued him with state intelligence and resources. Yet, "God did not give him into his hand" (1 Samuel 23:14).
Similarly, the chief priests and Pharisees launched a widespread manhunt for Jesus. The key verse (John 11:54) illustrates Jesus' practical steps for safety:
Jesus avoided public movements.
He relocated with His disciples to Ephraim, a town near the wilderness.
If Ephraim is the town mentioned in 2 Chronicles 13:19, it was a mountainous place about twenty-two kilometres from Jerusalem—a strategic hiding place.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
God's people have always faced threats to their physical safety. While divine protection is assured, Scripture also emphasizes our human responsibility. We should balance trust in God with practical actions to ensure safety. Reflect on how David and Jesus balanced divine trust and practical actions. We too must take wise steps to protect ourselves and others, trusting in God's protection while doing our part.
PRAYER:
Lord, we thank You for never abandoning or forsaking us. Give us the wisdom to handle our human responsibilities while trusting in Your divine protection. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: NO LONGER
In Greek, οὐκέτι (ouketi) is an adverb that means "no longer," "no more," or "not anymore." It signifies the cessation of a previous state or activity. In John 11:54, the Greek term "οὐκέτι" (ouketi) is used to convey that Jesus "no longer" walked openly among the Jews. This shift marks a pivotal moment in His ministry, where public confrontation gives way to a more secluded phase. Theologically, this withdrawal underscores Jesus' awareness of the mounting danger and His deliberate pacing towards the cross. It illustrates His control over the unfolding events, ensuring His mission progresses according to divine timing rather than human schemes. Reflections:
Reflect on the strategic withdrawal of Jesus and how it exemplifies the importance of timing and discretion in fulfilling God's plan. How can you discern when to step back and when to move forward in your own spiritual journey, ensuring that your actions align with God's will and timing?
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