“But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” John 7:10
The fifth way I follow God’s plan is when I APPLY DISCRETION (John 7:10-13). After Jesus’ brothers went up to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem, Jesus went up in secret. “But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret.” (John 7:10). Contrary to His brother’s insincere advice, Jesus kept a low profile during the opening days of the feast because it was not God’s time for Him to be manifested as the Messiah. He was very discreet. The message is clear – people do not determine what Jesus does. Christ is supremely the Master of every situation. So now He goes up when He is ready and in the way He chooses.
Jesus found Jerusalem filled with rumors about Him. In the intervening months, He had become the sensation of the nation. Reports of His great miracles had filtered down to Jerusalem and everybody was talking about Him, as John describes: “11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast, and said, ‘Where is He?’ 12 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.’ 13 However, no one spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews.” (John 7:11-13). There was a growing tension. Public opinion was divided. Some favored Christ and others were opposed to Him.
As we seek to follow God’s plan, we must apply discretion. There is a time and place to speak up for the Lord and then there is a time and place to be silent. Christians have turned off unbelievers by failing to apply discretion. We need God’s wisdom to know when and what to say or do before an unbelieving world. We need to rely on God’s Word and the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Are you willing to follow God’s plan for your life or do you want to run ahead of Him and take your chances? Let’s wait for His leading, shall we? And if the light is red or even yellow, we will be wise to let Him hold us back. When it turns green, you will know it. Don’t race your motor while you are waiting. You will burn up all your fuel… and you might slip across that delicate line. God’s moving-violation fines are quite expensive.
Prayer: Father God, forgive us for following our own inclinations instead of Your clear and simple leading. We want to follow Your plan for our lives. Lead us to those who are receptive to the gospel that we might boldly share Jesus with them. May we follow Your leading and not our own, adjusting to Your timing even if it is a red or yellow light. It is far better to be behind You, Lord, instead of in front of You. May our lives challenge the status quo of wickedness around us because You are living in and through us. Grant us Your wisdom as we face decisions each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.