Perception & Expectation

Victory week

 

Perception and Expectation Twins. These two can be a blessing or a curse. It depends on how we perceive a thing.

Our expectations spring out of that perception.

Mark 11 is a great example. One Sunday, the peoples perception of Jesus' purpose in Jerusalem caused them to cry "Hosanna" and then, a few days later cry out "Crucify Him". He didn't meet their expectation from their perception. They thought He came to defeat Rome and establish His kingdom.

On the other hand, Jesus had God's purposes for Him in proper alignment. Therefore, His perception and expectation of the week's turbulent happenings didn't deter Him from reaching His goal: to defeat the devil and pay the price for our eternal salvation.

Two experiences transpired on Monday, the day after the "Hosanna" event. Jesus cursed the fig tree and He cleansed the temple.

The disciples didn't perceive their Master's actions correctly. Their expectations caused them confusion and to question Him instead of gleaning from the lesson He was demonstrating.

Fig trees produce fruit as their leaves grow. Once the tree is filled with foliage there should be fruit. The Temple bustled with activity which should have been evidence of spiritual fruitfulness.

Sadly, in both cases it was only an outward show. (Matthew 23:17)

Fruit is the evidence of a healthy fig tree and it is evidence of a healthy, personal relationship with God.

Jesus faced His purpose that week from the right perception. His expectation of great fruitfulness from His activities became very evident and continue to this day bearing fruit.

You and I are the evidence, the fruit, of His labors. Jesus didn't come to earth to "show up and show off."

Jesus came with a purpose; to bear fruit and produce fruit bearers.

What's your perception and expectation of Christ's work in your life?

Is it for Him to be your heavenly butler and do your bidding?

Or, is it the correct understanding that He came to do a work in and through you so that you would bear much fruit for His kingdom. (His commissioning is now ours - Mark 16 & Matt. 28)

This week I encourage you to read Mark 11-16. (Read with your children...make it a family tradition)

Sunday - Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem with crowds shouting "Hosanna."

Monday - He cursed the fig tree and cleansed the temple.

Tuesday - Jesus was questioned by the religious folk and taught the people all the while Judas was busy agreeing to betray Him.

Wednesday - His activities aren't written for us.

Thursday - the Last Supper with His disciples in the Upper Room. His struggle in Gethsemane and His arrest.

Friday - His trial, Peter's denial 3 times, the crowd shouting "Crucify Him." His trip to Golgotha and His crucifixion.

Saturday - He went to hell, heaven and back to earth. (Read Hebrews)

Sunday - Jesus' resurrection. "He's ALIVE!"

He appeared to many proving the fruit, the evidence, of His activities. He was and is our Messiah, Passover Lamb, Redeemer and KING.

As we meditate and reflect on the events of this past week and what they meant, let's purpose to check ourselves, to examine our fruitfulness. Let's ensure our perception and expectation twins are firmly grounded in God's purposes, not ours, for His glory.

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