Hosanna Restoration Church

The way that we respond to things is reflection of how we perceive what we have seen or heard. Whether we like or dislike something is usually pretty obvious in our initial response. This is not to say that we cannot train ourselves to control what we show, but the end of things will always reveal the way we really perceive things.

In this scripture the man who came to Jesus had already determined that Jesus was the answer to the need that he had, so when Jesus told him to go his way, the man believed “the word” that Jesus spoke and went his way. His actions reflected his perception. I don’t think it would be wrong to say that he may have even gone away with a little skip to his step in anticipation of what he was going to find at home.

With that in mind, let’s get right to the point of what God is talking to us about here! If we perceive that God is who God says that He is and that God can and will do what He says, then our lives will reflect that! It is time for us to quit the “God knows my heart” stuff and accept the fact that our actions tell the true story. If I perceive that prayer, worship, praise, and time in the word are most important, then that is what I will reflect. If I perceive that these things are important, but God will understand if I just don’t have time, then this is what we will reflect.

However, if we look honestly at God’s Word, we will see that He was pretty clear on what was most important. He said we should not put anything above Him in importance. Did He say this for His benefit or ours? I believe He said it for ours. After all, He makes all of His plans for our benefit. He knew that anything we put before Him would also stand between Him and us. If there is something between us, then we cannot get a true reflection of the good things he has for us. They can and will be deflected by what is between us. The armor of God is intended to quench the darts of the enemy. The things we put between us and God deflect His benefits.

You see, our perception of God and His word is also reflected in the benefits we experience from His Word. Just as there is a direct reflection in our actions, our actions result in a reflection of the promises fulfilled or deflected.

Just before Jesus told this man to go his way, He told the people, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will by no means believe.” The man did not doubt Jesus, instead he asked Him to come and do it! So Jesus told him to go and see the miracle.

So, what are we reflecting concerning our perception of the Word of the God? All we are required to do is really believe. When we really believe, it is obvious because the reflection is as clear as can be in both our actions and in God’s reactions!