And there was much complaining among the people concerning Him.  Some said, “He is good,” others said, ‘No, on the contrary he deceives the people.” – John 7:11-12

“You can’t please everybody,” is a phrase that I’ve heard my whole life.  As a math teacher, there are students that absolutely loved me and think I was great.  There are also students who think I was terrible.  As a minister, I’ve been called “the real deal,” and I’ve been rejected and never asked to come back.  If Jesus couldn’t please everyone, then I don’t have a chance.

I live now in what I imagine is the most toxic political environment that has ever existed, though I’m sure that is arguable.  In the next verse after John 7:12 it says, “However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.”  How nice would it be for no one to speak openly of people today?  Social media has become a shrine to ourselves and our opinions.  I think we honestly believe that if everyone thought like us and believed as we do that the world would be just fine.  Lately, I’ve adopted more than ever Hebrews 13:14, “For this world is not our home, we are looking forward to our everlasting home in heaven.”

When I first became a Christian, I honestly hoped the Lord wouldn’t return.  I didn’t want to go to heaven yet.  There were things I wanted to do in life.  There was stuff I wanted to accomplish.  Jesus was someone I could put on the backburner and follow later.  This is all an indictment to the fact that I didn’t have a clue about my new life in Christ.  Now, more than ever, I’d sure like to be with my Lord in glory.

I’ve been meditating on John 7:11-12 every day since Saturday.  In the previous chapter, Jesus fed five thousand people from five loaves of barley and two small fish given to him by a young lad.  That was enough for many to follow Him.  However, others could only question His motives.  When Jesus refused to do the miracle a second time only offering Himself as the bread of life, the Bible in John 6:66 says that “many who believed in Him went back and followed Him no more.”  Obviously, there is nothing worse than a human who doesn’t get his or her way.

All that to say, it doesn’t matter who is in authority.  Israel had good kings, and it had bad kings.  I’m sure someone who lived under a good king thought they were bad, and someone who lived under a bad king thought they were good.  Today, I want to put my whole trust in Jesus.  I’m finishing up the gospel of John this week.  Jesus has never done anyone wrong.  I don’t think He is about to start now.

Lord, thank You for the breath in my lungs.  I’m sorry it took so long for me to trust You.  I’m sure even now that things could happen to me, and I’d begin to doubt.  You parted the sea for the Israelites, and they so quickly thought You’d let them starve afterwards.  May Your Holy Spirit continue to dwell in me.  Fill me afresh.  Without that life source . . . I know what I’d quickly become.  Lead, guide, and protect Your people today. Strengthen the host of heaven that evil may be easily defeated.  There is and never will be another like You, Lord. You are Holy, Holy, Holy!  Amen.