“Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest Him because He had spoken against them.” (Mark 12:22a NIV)
The priests and teachers reminds that there are two potential responses to divine conviction: we can refuse and accuse OR we can accept and cooperate. The first way leads to spiritual death, the second to spiritual life.
Divine conviction is not the same as human criticism. Human criticism is sourced in public opinion; it may or may not be accurate. Divine conviction, however, is always spot on. It’s s warning bell that we are moving in the wrong direction. Unfortunately, it can be ignored and overridden.
The Pharisees refused and accused. They knew deep down that Jesus had their number. His words exposed the shortfalls in their souls and instead of receiving the divine correction, they rejected it, really deflected it. They dug their heels in even deeper and looked for a opportunity to do away with Jesus altogether.
It’s easy to read scriptures and despise the Pharisees. Their shortcomings are so obviously displayed across the gospels. But before we discount them altogether, let’s first consider our own potential to turn into a Pharisee. Let’s examine ourselves, here in the light of day. How do we respond to divine conviction? Do we accept and cooperate with correction? Or is our posture more refusal and accusation?
My mother used to say “There’s a little Pharisee in all of us.” As a kid I’d picture a tiny priest in full biblical garb, yelling for his way at the command center of my mind. As an adult, I realize that she likely meant there’s Pharisee potential in all of us; a proud fleshy part that makes demands. We’ve got to reject that tendency, we work to keep the little Pharisee from becoming a full-grown Pharisee.
Right response and cooperation to divine conviction is a great way to starve out the little Pharisee. He doesn’t thrive in an environment of humility or through acts of service. Daily repentance reduces his stature. Authentic worship starves his self-admiration.
Thankfully, Jesus has sent His Spirit to help us in this process. The Advocate convicts us of sin, but also convinces us of righteousness and the coming reality of eternity. We don’t physically walk with Jesus as the disciples or the Pharisees had opportunity, but His Spirit is with us every step of the way.
“And when He comes, He will convict the world it’s sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgement.” (John 16:18 NIV)
Lord, thank You for conviction, it is far less final than judgement. By Your grace, You give us opportunity to recognize our sinful ways and turn from them – still allowing time to walk in the way righteousness. May we learn to respond and cooperate with Your conviction; recognizing Your unrivaled status and perspective in our story. You are sovereign, we are subject. We are so grateful to have opportunity to live in right relationship with You. Amen.