Keeping Your Course Amid Expectations
My dear son,
Even when many people praise you, do not let their expectations decide your entire life. I hope you can receive appreciation gratefully while remembering what you are living for. Approval need not determine the direction of every step.
When the crowd wanted to force Jesus to become their king, he withdrew to the mountain alone. He valued the path his Father had entrusted to him above their enthusiastic acclaim. You may need that kind of quiet time, too.
Set aside how you appear to others for a while tonight, and tell me what is in your heart. I want to hear about the love and truth you hope to protect. Consider the life that pleases me, alongside the reactions of other people.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 6:14–15
WEB14When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world.”
15Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself.
A short reflection
After the sign of the loaves, the crowd intends to make Jesus king by force. Knowing their intention, he withdraws to the mountain alone.
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