Expectations

I was sitting in church yesterday, listening to Pastor Tom talk about who Jesus is.  I was thinking about the different expectations different people had for Jesus.

Jesus' family and neighbors expected Him to live a quiet life and continue to be a carpenter's son.  The Pharisee's expected Him to follow the rules and not make waves.  The Zealots expected a war from Rome to gain their freedom.  The people wanted Him to continue to heal the sick, some asked Him to stay with them (see Luke 4:42-44).  All of Israel expected a Messiah, not a broken man hanging on the Cross.  

Jesus knew who He was to be and who He was not to be.  He didn't allow anyone deter Him from what He came to do.  He didn't allow needs to change His direction.  I'm sure His heart ached for the needs and hopelessness He saw.  He didn't allow leaders to put Him in a box of piety, being respectable and acceptable in their eyes.  I love how He made the whip and then went into Temple to clean house.   (John 2:14-16)  It was not a moment of emotion, it was pre-meditated and intentional.  

I could go with what others expected or how He stood against it, but you get the picture and can add to the list.

What about us?  I know for me, when I am unsure who I am or what I am to be doing, it is easy to get too swayed by someone else.  Their need for me to be controllable, so they know what to expect and can be comfortable.  Our parents, husbands, friends, children, church, work and society all have expectations on how we should be.  

We know first and foremost we are made in the image of God and are His children.  We need to accept that the expectations with that are non-negotiable.  We are to act, speak and walk out this crazy life in a way that brings our Father Glory.  

God has called each of us to love Him, worship Him and follow Him.  Life is crazy and throws curve balls at us all the time.  We need to be able to know who we are so we can stand against well-meaning people who have it all figured out for us.  

Jesus was connected to God in a way that He knew when something was pulling Him away.  I need that same connection, so when I look to my Father with that "What the heck do I do now" look, I can see His face.  I am reassured that He really is in control and has a plan, even though it might not feel like it.  

I pray that you and I will know who we are in God so we can stand in confidence with the people in our lives and be intentional with the circumstances in our lives.  If you are at the place where you feel lost and overwhelmed, go to your Living, Loving God ~ He is waiting.  I also pray that you will find someone to walk through this time with you, allowing you to figure it out.  

May God richly bless you on this Memorial Day as we enjoy the freedom that so many have sacrificed for us to have.

Hugs and Love ~

Jodi   xoxo