Monday, January 27, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: John 16

Many years ago, there was a funny (but potentially offensive) skit by comedian Jeff Foxworthy titled, “You Might Be A Redneck If…” followed by innumerable reasons why—if you did this or had that—you might be a redneck. (You can find it on YouTube.) I feel like the infant nation of Israel, in their new freedom from slavery, was having a similar identity crisis: “You Might Still Be In Egypt If…”

After 400 years of slavery and never having to decide for themselves what to do, to eat, to wear, or to worship, the Israelites were not equipped to make good decisions. They did not know how to be free!

God, in his mercy, brought Moses up to his mountain where they had quite the chat. After 40 days, Moses started back down the mountain with instructions, a framework by which the Israelites could live, thrive, and worship together.

Unfortunately, in Moses’ absence, the Israelites became anxious and antsy! All the promises they had made fled before the wind. They turned back to “Egypt,” to slavery, which was all they knew, forgetting how truly awful it had been.

The Israelites, having lost their faith, made a golden calf and bowed down to it.

This was often my response when I encountered a new situation that looked difficult or challenging. I’m not good at waiting. I’m a “do something, even if it’s wrong” type of person. And believe me, just like the Israelites, it has gotten me into messes!

I have my own golden calves—the need to control, wanting to have all the answers, being all things to all people, and wanting the approval of others. These are all pride, and all about me! Thankfully, with God’s power, I have become better at noticing it and naming it, which then allows me to diffuse* it. This open attitude offers me the best opportunity for good outcomes.

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Just like God wanted to transform the Israelites from slaves to his sons and daughters, he wants to do the same with us. With our Heavenly Father at the center of our lives, we don’t have to be slaves to our idols.

*From Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss.

Questions:
Where have you left the Promised Land and returned to the slavery of your sin? Are you ready to turn back to God and ask for his guidance?

Next Steps:
As you pray, ask God to reveal where you have turned from following Jesus to the slavery of your former life. Ask him to provide his direction for you. Listen to his response.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for all the times I have gone off on my own. Forgive me when I choose the old ways, thinking they’re less difficult than what you ask of me. Your way leads to life, but mine only leads to death. I know this, and yet so many times, I choose other things that seem shinier than you! Nothing, NO THING, is more glorious than you. I am so grateful for your mercies, which are new every morning! Thank you, Lord. I bow to you alone! In your beautiful name, I pray, amen!

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.