For Him ... or Against Him (John 7:25-31)

Today's scripture: John 7:25-31

Centuries ago, Solomon wrote, "... there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). And is that ever true ...

In Jesus' day, there were two distinct factions: those who believed in Him because of what He'd done, and those who wanted to "seize Him."

It's the same today. Many of us who follow Christ do so because of what we've seen Him do. We've seen miraculous healing and drastically changed lives. We've experienced His work in our own lives.

Jesus has supernaturally carried me when I haven't had strength. He has given me a peace in the midst of the storm. He has protected me from danger. I know He's with me. I know He's who He says He is. Because I've seen His work.

There are others who want to "seize Him." Obviously, they can't physically do so because Jesus no longer walks the earth in human form. However, they can figuratively seize Jesus. They can strive to hinder the spread of His truth by mocking His message and persecuting His followers.

I've heard that there are only two "accepted" people groups that can be ridiculed today: Christians and the obese. But even the latter is less and less acceptable—as it should be, I might add. Every other religion, lifestyle choice, race, or culture is protected. Very, very soon, only Christians will be the targets of ridicule, hate, and outright persecution, just as Jesus Himself prophesied (Matthew 10:22; Luke 21:17).

We're in a war, folks. Us against them. But that doesn't mean we should retaliate or fight. We should, instead, be Christ-like, demonstrating His love. We should, indeed, turn the other cheek, showing our enemies compassion (Matthew 5:39; Luke 6:29). With our gentle spirits, Jesus might just use us to bring "them" over to our side. After all, didn't He reach one who fought against Him the most? Paul himself?

Two sides to the fight will continue to exist until Jesus sets up the new heaven and earth. We need to stay strong, to grow closer to God, to be His ambassadors of light in this ever-increasingly dark world. And to win as many to our side as we can!