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What God Ignores
Jon BurgessJesus wasn't about to be distracted, dissuaded or divided from His Father's focus. The religious leaders were constantly offended by Jesus and doing their best to offend him. If they could just get Jesus embroiled in an argument they could trip him up and make him look like a fool in front of the people. Instead, at each and every turn the Pharisees looked like fools as they disdained the miraculous and defended the traditions that kept them in power. Finally, Jesus just tells his disciples to ignore them instead of worrying about whether they were offended or not. People that are looking for offense will always find it. Jesus was going to leave the Pharisees in the Father's hands. Let the blind lead the blind for Jesus was going to focus on healing those who knew they were blind and were seeking healing.
We would do well to ignore what God ignores. Every day there are ample opportunities to get drawninto minor squabbles, little skirmishes, petty offenses, and puny problems. The world wide web does more to divide us than unite us as each of us stand on our soapboxto defend our position and attack those who don't agree. As Christians, we can become so distracted that we accomplish little to nothing as we try and win arguments instead of winning souls. We are building walls instead of building relationships. We are busy with the business of offense instead of being busy about the Father's business. There are simply some people who will just want to argue, who enjoy stirring up controversy, and glory in riling us up. We are told in Romans 12:18, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." As in the case ofJesus and the Pharisees, there will be a point when peace is not possible. Jesus doesn't go on the defensive, he goes on with the mission to reach those who are actually seeking to be free. We would do well to do the same!
Lord, thank you for the reminder to not get derailed by those who like to argue, accuse, and seek to be offended. You didn't stop loving the Pharisees. In fact, You died for them! You just didn't focus your time, attention, and affections on them. Help me to use the time I've been given to focus on those who are seeking Your face. Forgive me for my pride that gets offended and defensive when someone attacks me for trying to do good. If I get offended at those who are offended at me then I've lost my focus on what matters most. Offense gets me to focus on inwardly instead of outwardly. I forgive those who have offended me and Igive You my reputation. If You are my defense then I don't have to get defensive! If You are my focus then I can be busy about Your business.
