OBSTACLES TO MEETING JESUS WEEK 5, 2010

OBSTACLES TO MEETING JESUS WEEK 5, 2010
I thought you asked Jesus to come into your heart, why don’t we see you again? “I’ll be honest with you my family doesn’t like the idea at all. They say I must finish my training that this fellowship thing can distract me. Even my brother reported I don’t watch TV again and everyone has been asking what is wrong with me.” Listen; when anyone is genuinely coming to Jesus some obstacles come in the way; it is a kind of test. Their purpose is to prove that your faith is genuine. Even gold, which can be destroyed, is tested by fire; and so your faith, which is much more precious than gold, must also be tested, so that it may endure. Then you will receive praise and glory and honor on the Day when Jesus Christ is revealed1Pt 1:7 (GNB). Consider Bartimaeus: When he heard that it was Jesus, he began to shout, "Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!" Many of the people scolded him and told him to be quiet. But he shouted even more loudly, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" Mk 10:47-48(GNB).
"So what should I do? My uncle is training me, and my family assures me they love me that is why they are speaking to me." People around Jesus who should have been an encouragement to the man scolded and warned him to be quiet, just like those around you are trying to discourage you. Your people love you in their own way all right but did Jesus not say "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world. No, I did not come to bring peace, but a sword; your worst enemies will be the members of your own family. "Those who love their father or mother more than me are not fit to be my disciples; Matt 10:34-37(GNB).
"I tried to protest but they shouted at me, “Are you trying to say we are not Christians? We built the church you now want to live inside.” should I disobey them?" No, obey and respect them always, but never disobey any of Jesus’ teaching either. Remember "I have told you this, so that you will not give up your faith. You will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time will come when those who kill you will think that by doing this they are serving God. People will do these things to you because they have not known either the Father or me Jn 16:1-3(GNB). Behave like Bartimaeus: shout the louder for Jesus. Did you notice when he did this those who discouraged him heard Jesus requesting them to call him? The very people scolding him now said cheer up He is calling you. Hold on to Jesus someday these very people will encourage you.