Never Satisfied
Dissatisfaction is so dangerous and so catching. Many people of Jesus’ day weren’t satisfied no matter what! They called John the Baptist a demon because he didn’t eat or drink and Jesus a drunkard, glutton, and friend of sinners. The places where Jesus did most of his miracles did not repent (Matt.11:20). In Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth they took offense at him (Matt. 13:57) and Jesus said, “Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor (Matt. 13:57).” Luke 4:28-30 says, “All the people in the synagogue were furious…They got up, drove him (Jesus) out of the town, and took him to the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But He walked right through the crowd (in Nazareth) and went on his way.”
Capernaum was his home base, and this is what Jesus said about them, “And you Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the Day of Judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:23-24)
In Jerusalem, Jesus said, “I have shown you many great miracles from the Father. For which of these do you stone me (John 10:32)?
Jesus faced “never enough” attitudes, even murderous attitudes with confidence because He knew who He was and what His purpose was. He was not swayed by the attitudes of men. He did not whine around because the people in his hometown, his home base of ministry or the most religious of cities pelted him with opposition and rejection. John 6:66 says, “From this time, many disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” John 7:5 says, “For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” Jesus summed up His secret for purposeful living in the face of opposition, negativism and rejection in John 8:28-29, “…I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.”
What a sweet statement that last phrase is “…I always do what pleases Him.” What a great key to living life!
How about you? Are you living in the confidence of knowing who you are in Jesus or are you living in the defeat of the rejection and dissatisfaction of those whom surround you?
Have “never enough” attitudes crept in to steal your satisfaction in Jesus?
Has the discontent and unbelief of others made you like those in Capernaum, Jerusalem or Nazareth?
What is challenging your level of satisfaction in Christ the most right now?
Are your eyes judging by what you see or by what Jesus sees?
Last, but not least, are you living to please Jesus or for the approval of those around you?
Be encouraged! The one who saved you is with you. All you need to do is please Him and leave the pleasing of others in His hands!
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