LED BY THE SPIRIT

"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)

Devotion 8 of 20

JESUS SPOKE ONLY WHAT THE FATHER TOLD HIM TO SPEAK

The dependence of Christ upon the Father is one of the great representations of Scripture. Although He "knew all men" (John 2:24), and "what was in man" (John 2:25), He did not speak on His own. He revealed that any person speaking from himself was seeking his own glory, and was not to be accepted. "He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him" (John 7:18, NIV). That is a startling text, particularly in view of our contemporary situation! The wells of human wisdom are not deep enough to produce life sustaining water!

Hear the word of the Savior. "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught Me, I speak these things" (John 8:28). "I speak that which I have seen with My Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father" (John 8:38). Again Jesus said, "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself: but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works" (John 14:10).

This is the Lord Jesus, with all of the Scripture at His command. If knowing WHAT the Bible says, together with its background and technical meaning, authorizes a person to speak for God, Jesus certainly met the criterion. When but a child, He confounded the doctors of the Law with His understanding. Remember how Mary and Joseph found Him "sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers" (Lk 2:46-47). Yet, during His earthly ministry, Jesus made it clear, He was guided in what He said, refusing to speak independently of that guidance.

This sets the standard for all who speak for the Lord. They are to affirm what they see, or perceive--what they have "tasted." When the eyes of our understanding are opened, and we perceive the truth of God, we have, by that very circumstance, been qualified to speak the Word. God has, in that case
directed us. Blessed is the person who knows it.

PRAYER POINT: Father, in Jesus' name, give me grace to speak only what you direct me to say. Too, help me to be sensitive to that direction.

-- TOMORROW: LEADING DOES NOT PRECLUDE JUDGMENT --