John Chapter 7 verse 18 (NIV)
Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.
John chapter 7 verse 43 (NIV)
Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.
We are told also this chapter that this teaching from Jesus took place during ‘the last and greatest day of the Feast’ This was the day during the feast of tabernacle, when the people anticipated that the great river prophesied in Ezekiel 47 would flow out from Jerusalem. ‘ Jesus stood’ (John 7:37). The usual custom was to sit when teaching, but the words Jesus had to say were so significant that he wanted to be seen and heard by all the people. He cried out ‘in a loud voice’.
Surely, the prophesy from Ezekiel was being fulfilled at that very moment as Jesus spoke life giving words to the crowd in the Temple. He taught that we should never speak purely for personal glory or recognition, but for the glory of God. By doing so our words will always carry truth and credibility if they reflect a life lived for God. It’s not our skill (or lack of) as an orator that will touch people’s lives, for even the most stumbling, stuttering of testimonies, given under the anointing of the Holy Spirit will touch the hearts of those who hear it.
Yet we also read that the people were divided because of Jesus. In any gathering, even under an anointed speaker, there will be those who accept what is said, and those who don’t. This should not surprise us, and more importantly, it should not stop us from speaking. God expects us to. If we are obedient, He will move in hearts, even those who may at first reject His teaching.
Dear Lord,
Thank You that Your word is truth and brings life. Help me therefore to handle it correctly and boldly. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.