"A man can receive nothing, unless it has been given him from heaven." John 3:27
Receive nothing - The Greek expression (lambanein ouden) carries the sense of not being able to take with our hands. The verb lambano often is associated with a self-motivated action of receiving even if the action is not really favorable. We have a contemporary expression that captures it "Grab all you can get." John the Baptist is expressing the world's view of possessing I will take this for myself. This is not necessarily a spiritual term. But John adds something the world does not see. We cannot take anything into our hands unless God gives it. The meaning behind John's words is clear: nothing comes to us, even if we think it is due to our own actions, unless it has already been given to us by God.
This verse was an answer to a question. The question of his disciples was about priorities. They were complaining. "Master, Jesus is doing the same thing you do. But many people are following him. You were the first one to proclaim this message. You are entitled to better treatment. He is usurping your authority. Why don't you stop him?" Most of us would have agreed with these men. "Wait a minute. You're right. I should get my due. I set him up. I gave him my endorsement. I should be more important. Crowds should recognize me." But John sees a deeper meaning to life. Life is not about him at all. It is about God's purposes. So he tells his disciples, "You don't understand. I did not grab this fame by my own efforts. God gave it to me. And if God moves me to the background, He has His purposes for that too." Doesn't this sound like Job "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."
How often have we been passed over or put aside and we complained? How many times has our importance diminished and we felt slighted? The world sees fame and status as a product of our own efforts grab all you can get. John tells us something far more important. God gives first. And what we have can only come because God gives first. Look at what you have taken with your own hands. Now view it as the gift of God. You can't take anything for yourself without His involvement first. Another confirmation. God gives.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Receive Nothing
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5 comments:
hmm...
-Richard
it rings so true with me and my faculty
engineering is all about hard work and putting ur effort in... hence why a lot of people, and myself sometimes, just feel like we need to earn our keep. we do, but God provides everything and in His own timing. I need to get it into my head permanently.
jacky (1,2) (i think)
interesting as how i was just thinking about relationships just now lol... and then i read the post..
people will never receive anything if its not from God
gotta give it up to God for this one!
-Jon
God is awesome.
Sorry for slacking on the posting. Thanks to whoever rotated the names list. Brap Brap!
- Jono (0,2) for not keeping up with postings
In my family, we've instilled this thought... no one is gonna to help you if you don't help yourself. This mentality can be seen through both my sisters and I. We push ourselves thinking, and at times believing.. if we don't work hard, no one out there will help us.
So for me, at times I do believe whatever I've worked hard for is in direct relation to that. But I must remember... I can work hard my whole life and achieve nothing with out God. We must be diligent and rely on Him. Liking this reminder especially during exams.. remember, we're ALL going to school for Him.
Brian Yee -> rbk (2,1)
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