Alignment Part 1

Alignment: Have you ever found yourself saying one thing but doing another? Remember those moments that you decided to overhaul your diet — Commit to a NO SUGAR diet, but you sneak in a chocolate or two when no one is looking? It’s similar to the chef who goes on and on about his great recipes and food, but he burns everything he cooks. You get the idea, right? For Christians,  what does Jesus desire for our lives in relation to His revealed truth? The answer: Alignment! (That) Things line up in our lives with His Words. There’s no contradiction between what we do and what He has said. In fact, I would say that John 7:14–36 (Take a moment to read the text) teaches us that Jesus desires our lives to align with His revealed truth. John points out three attributes about Jesus in verses 14–36. What are those attributes One, Jesus is authoritative (14–19), two, Jesus is righteous  (20–24), and three Jesus is King (25–36).  Today, we’ll consider one of those areas: His Authority.

Jesus is authoritative (16–19)

Almost immediately, you ask, “How? How does Jesus show His authority?” A few ways: First of all, Jesus teaches the Words of His Father (16–17, 19). Jesus isn’t in the business of contradicting what His Father desired for Him to declare about Him. He’s in the business of declaring everything His Father desires of Him to say. Jesus’ teaching is a beautiful display of His submission to the Father’s will. Just as Jesus exemplified this with His life and words, we, as followers of Jesus, are called to align our words and deeds with His. 

Secondly, Jesus (having authority) humbly seeks to glorify His Father (18). It is remarkable to watch (through the pages of the Bible) the Trinity operate in selflessness — it truly is the epitome of their love for one another. Jesus lives for the Glory of His Father. The Father desires to see His Son return victoriously to sit in Glory as the nations to worship Him and declare Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The Holy Spirit is constantly working to bring glory to Jesus by revealing the Savior to sinners and illuminating them with the truth about Jesus. Once again, their selfless example is ours to follow. To think of others more than ourselves. To live in a way that brings glory to the King who selflessly, lovingly, and willingly gave Himself for us. To use our words to glady declare to everyone and anyone the glorious truths about our King! Do you live with that kind of alignment? 

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR WALK WITH JESUS

How does Jesus’ example challenge you to live like Him? 

How can you shift your understanding to recognize and submit to Jesus’ authority as the ultimate source of truth in your decisions and beliefs?

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