Hold fast to what you have received in Christ

Text: John 7: 32-36

Focus: John 7:34

Here we are dealing with Jesus’ resolve. He looks beyond the persecution (plans made to kill Him), difficult circumstances and the cross that awaits: He focuses solely on the glory that lies ahead for Him.

As human beings, we are so prone to stare at our circumstances and their insurmountability, that we lose perspective. Before long, it’s all about solving a single problem, causing us to panic.

This, then, is how we can determine our greatest treasure. Things that worry us and make us anxious. We are afraid of the humiliation, the pain or perhaps the powerlessness it can cause.

Opposed to our earthly treasures, Jesus keeps his eyes on the eternal glory with his Father. This is His greatest treasure. This is where He seeks His hope and glorification. That is why the Bible also says: “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb. 12: 2).

Jesus says in verse 34 that they will seek Him and not find Him. The Jews sought and found Him, and later even betrayed Him. But there will come a time when it will be too late to seek Him. The time to seek and find Jesus will then be over.

Through this, Jesus encourages us to seek Him in time as our greatest treasure. We must seek Him and not all the blessings and prosperity we think we will receive through Him. We must seek Him for whom He is in Himself. He is the Saviour who came to this earth to save us. We must understand His glory, love and grace and love Him. This should be our focus in this life.

Yes, we will go through difficult times, just like Jesus, but we will not be alone. If we believe in Him, He will envelop us in His love, and it will carry us through every difficult circumstance.

The time to seek and find Jesus is short. Therefore, do not focus on the difficult circumstances, rather focus on the end goal: An eternity in the glory of God.