Doctrine or heart?

 

When Jesus went into a Jewish place of worship - the temple in Jerusalem or a synagogue somewhere else - the people's reaction were found to be at two opposites of his words and teachings:

Firstly, people were astonished at his understanding and answers of the Scriptures (Luk 2:47), and also marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth (Luk 4:22).

Secondly, we also read of how people, after hearing some contradictory words,from Jesus, towards their belief system, were filled with wrath, they threw him out of the temple and even tried to kill him.

One such event occurred in John 7 where the people again marveled at the fact that Jesus known the Scriptures, but "having never studied" it (v.15), but their reaction after some further teaching were that they sought to kill him... 

What amazes me, was Jesus' words in the midst of this encounter: 

"My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me." John 7:16 

For us today, not surprisingly, when we are confronted by the truth, it brings the best and worst out of us... 

On the one side, the truth will liberate us, set us free, and on the other side, the truth will also confront our current beliefs.

And sometimes our current beliefs are well intended - it was formed from experiences, passed on from generation to generation, received from listening to teachings... and all of the above causes a belief to be well established and settled in our hearts and minds.

And yes, we will defend it - just like the Jews defended their beliefs and didn't want to be confronted by Jesus' teachings when He was on earth. 

My challenge to all of us today is to constantly have a soft heart towards God and His Word.

Before we stake our claim to a belief or a doctrine, before we fearlessly defend and protect it, let us... 

🌟 Abide in the Word of God and filter it though the Word of God, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples". (John 8:31) 

🌟 Test it with this free-making promise:

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shake make you free" (John 8:32) 

🌟 Remember Jesus' words:

"My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent me." (John 7:16) 

Am I willing to let go of mine, and accept His?