Series: Easter: This Changes Everything
Message: Hidden?
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Reflection: Sam Millen
Live Wonder: Bec Reid
Live Adventure: Jess Lee
Live Beyond: Art Preuss
Live Purpose: Don Pate
Editor: Becky De Oliveira
Refresh: Begin with prayer. Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your heart to new understanding and for God’s character to be revealed.
Read: John 12:20-36 in The Message (MSG). Note 1–3 insights or questions.
Reflect: I believe God rarely speaks to humans audibly. This was an infrequent occurrence even in Bible times, and it is why I’m usually leery when Christians begin sentences by declaring, “God told me . . .” I assume phrases such as this one often refer to distinct impressions, feelings, or ideas entering the consciousness during times of prayerful reflection, or as a surprise at unexpected moments. Unfortunately, assertions regarding God’s will have been used as an effective tool for abruptly ending discussions. Those advancing specific agendas have positioned alternative views as disagreements with God—simply by insisting they prayed about a matter. However, there are many who genuinely believe God is speaking to them. Even the highly respected theologian William Barclay wrote in his classic commentary, The New Daily Study Bible, The Gospel of John, Volume Two (WJK, 2001), “Our trouble is not that God does not speak, but that we do not listen.” It is a startling thought. Does God speak to us? If not audibly, then how?
I must admit to having tried numerous exercises and approaches designed to enhance listening to God. I have appreciated the efforts of my well-meaning tutors (some names you may recognize had I listed them). Impressions, feelings, or ideas were never lacking. It was being able to objectively distinguish God’s voice from my own thoughts that left me frustrated at times. Perhaps therein lies the answer: Once the standard tests have been applied (Is the idea in harmony with scripture? What do other trusted believers say?, etc.), could it be that as I deepen my relationship with God in quietude, I will want more of what God wants for me? In other words, God’s will is not summed up in going to one school or another, getting this job or that one, marrying a specific person, etc. What God wants (His will) is me. And the more of me I submit to Him, the closer my own inner voice will align with what God would have said to me had He spoken audibly. God’s will is to mold my wishes, dreams, impulses, and desires to reflect His character.
A brilliant Christian comedian, Ken Davis, helped me form this view on discerning God’s will in a routine titled “God Wants Your Body.” To assure you this is no trivial matter, I add Ellen White’s thoughts on the subject as recorded in The Desire of Ages. Historians tell us she also possessed a sense of humor, but was by no means labelled a comedienne—even by those refusing to take her seriously. In examining the other instance when Jesus indicated He would be “lifted up” (John 3:14), White writes
The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself. Then the law of God is written in the mind and heart, and we can say with Christ, ‘I delight to do Thy will, O my God.’ (Psalm 40:8.) (p. 175)
Recalibrate: Has God ever spoken to you directly? If the crowd actually heard God’s voice, why were they confused about what they heard? Is it possible we hear what we want to hear, or think we should hear? Then how can we recognize God’s voice?
Respond: Find a place away from distractions and ask God to reveal Himself to you. After your mind quiets, write down any thoughts that come to you. (Some have found this exercise very helpful.)
Research: Check out this sample of “God Wants Your Body” by Ken Davis.
Remember: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32, ESV).
Sam Millen is the pastor at Anacortes Adventist Fellowship in Washington State. He his wife Angie is a schoolteacher on Orcas Island and their three children are really awesome!
Here is a fun game with a twist. Take your little one outside, either before sunrise if they are early risers, or after sunset before bed and play the game I Spy With My Little Eye . . . but use a flashlight. As you shine the light towards different objects in your backyard or front yard—or even in your little one’s bedroom if you are inside—and show your little one how objects can be illuminated by the light you have in your hand. Explain to your little one that this is how our lives can be if we choose to walk in Jesus’ light.
Spend some time at the local park, and while you are there playing, pick up the rubbish from the area. By making public spaces clean we are honoring God by helping others enjoy the beauty of His creation.
I took my 8-year-old daughter skiing for the first time this winter. She had been asking me to go skiing for a long time and now that she had the opportunity, she was really excited to be doing something new and cool. As we headed to the beginners’ slope, I began to give her some pointers on what to and what not to do. She did wonderfully well for her first time, but she still wasn’t quite getting it. Her frustration finally showed when she said, “Daddy, I don’t think skiing is for me.”
Jesus expressed a similar reluctance to continue with the plan of salvation when He said, “Now my soul is troubled (NKJV), what should I say, “Father get me out of this . . . (MSG). Jesus knew that it was going to be a difficult process, and asked His Father to help Him go through with it. God responded by blasting a statement for everyone to hear, “I have glorified and will glorify it again.” But that wasn’t meant for Jesus. It was meant for those who were with Him to hear.
Let’s get real: Giving up on a plan that God has placed in your heart is not something He would want you to do. How do you feel when you read texts like Jeremiah 29:11 and Joshua 1:9?
Sometimes God lets us get our way just to show us how silly we can be. In fact, sometimes God actually affirms us to go out and do it our way because we probably won’t learn the lesson any other way. He did that with Balaam when He said, “Go ahead, go to Balak.” He did that with the Israelites when they wanted meat in the wilderness. He did that with Peter when Jesus actually told him to “go get your sword.” He really did. Look it up—Luke 22:34-38. Apparently allowing Peter to try to do things his own way was the only way Jesus could really ever get him to learn the lesson. Which makes me wonder how often God has done that with me? How frustrating it must be to God when we pray “Thy will be done” and then argue with Him because we want His will to fall into line with ours. We’d surely skin our knees less often if we just let Him be Lord, don’t you think?
Bec Reid is a real estate agent within her family business. She lives in Sydney, Australia, and is a part of the Wahroonga Adventist Church community.
Jess Lee is an education consultant for the New South Wales Adventist education system. She lives in Sydney, Australia, and attends Kellyville Church.
Art Preuss pastors in Massachusetts at the Springfield, Florence, and Warren Adventist churches and serves in the U. S. Air Force Reserve as a chaplain.
Don Pate is “retired” in Tennessee after decades of teaching and pastoring but is still active in speaking and creating for the Kingdom.