Many of us know a VIP, a very important person. This person has gained the respect of many by their actions and relative success. They have "risen above" those of us who comprise the not so important people. They are the leaders of the world. Many people hang on their every word thus promoting the VIP's exaggerated image of themselves. Some VIPs get downright upset if you do not accept what they say as "gospel". Some VIPs have a position of dominion over you. They could have you fired for not listening and obeying. Some very important people have taken it upon themselves to tell us how we should live our lives. They put on the robes of self righteousness and stand as "men of God" who tell us of the "Light of the World" but live in darkness. Each week they stand as very important people whose interpretation of the Word is presented without question.
It is with these very important people that Jesus takes exception in the fifth chapter of John. Jesus addresses his relationship with God the Father and His authority on earth. Beginning in verse 37 and continuing Jesus speaks of the Father's testimony about him, " Now you have never at any time heard what He says or seen what He is like. Nor do you really believe His word in your hearts, for you refuse to believe the man whom He has sent. You pore over the scriptures, for you imagine that you will find eternal life in them. And all the time they give their testimony to me! But you are not willing to come to me to have real life! Men's approval or disapproval means nothing to me, but I can tell that you have none of the love of God in your hearts. I have come in the name of my Father and you will not accept me. Yet if another man comes simply in his own name, you will accept him. How on earth can you believe while you are for ever looking for one another's approval and not for the glory that comes from the one God? There is no need for you to think that I have come to accuse you before the Father. You already have an accuser - Moses, in whom you put all your confidence! For if you really believed Moses, you would be bound to believe me; for it was about me that he wrote. But if you do not believe what he wrote, how can you believe what I say?"
Can you feel the frustration? Jesus was a VIP, a true VIP with the utmost in credentials, yet he is relegated to a "not so important" role in the beliefs of the people. We often mistake those who have taken the role of VIP in our churches and spiritual life as a person with God-like status and concentrate more on their interpretations than on the Word. Be cautious, for they are simply a person, there is only one true God. Keep an open heart and mind. Be grateful. Love one another.
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