SCRIPTURE
"Jesus saw that they were ready to take him by force and make him king, so he went higher into the hills alone." (John 6:15)
OBSERVATION
To some the applause of man is a worthy goal. When one welcomes this as the standard of approval it can misdirect one from their original assignment. Jesus' ministry was drawing thousands of people to him. They were attracted to his miracles, healings and in this chapter to his food supply. No doubt that many were living below the pauper's wages and would be attracted to someone providing their needs. They wanted to keep these miracles happening in their midst so they came up with a plan to hold on to Jesus by making Him their King. What an honor to be exalted by thousands of people who believe in what you are doing. The only catch is that when people vote for you their intention is "what's in it for me". When people elect a candidate in office, there's an expectation for this leader to perform to their bidding. Or else get voted out. For politicians - their highest goal is to win the approval of man.
But Jesus had another goal in mind; it was to win the approval from God. He wasn't moved by the number of popularity for I recall in his last year of his ministry it was done a little more quietly until His triumphant entry in Jerusalem. The people wanted him as their king so he went higher into the hills alone.
APPLICATION
Many of the artists' in the music world had basically one goal in mind - "To capture the audience". So with that goal in mind they become different from whom they were created to be. Some people capture the audience by changing their appearance. They go as for as men looking like women just to give a different spin on their identity. Some may even look like they came from hell. They become an identity to please the crowd.
Ministry is not about popularity. Ministry is about being honest and devoted to God's work in spite of popularity. I must never change to win man's applause but change to become more like Jesus.
PRAYER
Father, teach me to stay on your path and not be moved by the crowd.
