When Jesus started His ministry, there were two main religious factions that disapproved of Him: the first group was the Pharisees who were the legalists of the day. They devoted themselves to the law of Moses, so much that they tried to apply it strictly to their everyday lives. They believed in the supernatural, angels and the resurrection and took their traditions seriously. So they could not accept Jesus’ disregard for these traditions, especially His claim to forgive sins. The second group was the Sadducees who were the rationalists of the day: they were skeptical about religion even if they believed in Moses’ law. However, it did not have much impact in their daily lives. They did not believe in the supernatural and the resurrection, but they were more focused on the concerns and politics of their time. For them, Jesus was a threat because He was becoming popular. Despite their differences, these two groups agreed on one thing, at least: Jesus had to died!
My brother, my sister, let the opposition you are facing allow the big plan of God to be fulfilled in your life! Sometimes we want to face the opposition while this is not necessary.Yes, the Pharisees and the Sadducees put their differences aside, worked together in the High Council to sentence Jesus to death. They stirred up crowds and put pressure on the Roman authorities to have Jesus crucified… What efforts they did! If only they had known the hidden truth of God… It is the same for those who want to see your end and are moving heaven and earth to attack you physically, verbally or spiritually… and just like with Jesus, they will seem to ‘succeed’. But, my friend, the Bible says: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17). This simply means that weapons will be sent our way… but they will not reach us! Attacks will come our way… but they will not touch us. Why? Because it is God’s plan that ultimately succeeds in our lives.
My friend, keep in mind that, God acts in your life when the right time comes (verse 4). Also, today, turn the page that reads your past, where you keep counting the number of your enemies or attacks against you and start rejoicing while looking forward to what God is preparing for you today and tomorrow, even through the pain, difficulties, opponents or enemies. There is always a great plan behind everything that happens to us, good or bad. Failing to stay focused on the Lord’s plan we may become paralyzed by doubts and fear and it can even cause us to miss the promises of God for our lives Jesus remained focused to the end, carrying on His mission despite accusations, slander, attacks. Let’s be good imitators of our Lord and Saviour to see God grant us His victory for His glory. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.