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Humble Messengers

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JESUS SPEAKING

  ”They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men “Rabbi, Rabbi.” But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for One is Your teacher, the Christ. But He who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23: 6 – 12)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Many of the religious leaders were evil men who enjoyed their positions of authority. In turn, Jesus forbade His followers from referring to themselves as ‘Rabbis, Teachers, or Fathers.’ Accordingly, God is our only Father, and Jesus is our only Teacher/’Rabbi.’ As sons and students we are all equal. In presenting the gospel, our own words, thoughts, and emotions are irrelevant. The untainted words of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are paramount. When we choose to die, then the Lord will arise and speak through us.

  As the story goes, when Abraham Bininger had reached adulthood, he was informed of the misery and degradation of the African slaves living on the Island of St. Thomas. He asked to be sent to them to preach the story of the cross. Upon arriving on the Island he learned that it was illegal for anyone other than a slave to preach to the slaves. In response, he wrote a letter to the Governor of the Island, asking to be enslaved for the rest of his life, provided he could give his leisure time to preaching to his fellow slaves. The Governor sent the letter to the King of Denmark, who was so touched by it that he sent out an edict empowering Abraham Bininger to tell the story of the Messiah whenever and wherever he chose—to both blacks and whites, bond or free.

  Like Abraham Bininger, we too must be willing to sacrifice our lives to carry the message of the cross to those who live in ignorance. We aren’t distinguished and adored teachers, nor do we deserve the reverence and respect reserved for our honorable and all powerful Father. Instead, we are but humble carriers of the gospel. Jesus is our only Teacher, and God is our only Father. May we die to ourselves, so that Christ can rise up in our place (Note: The New Testament does include the gift of teaching; thus permitting the office of one given to teaching from God’s word.)

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we recognize that Your Son Jesus is our only Teacher, and that we are all brothers. Also that You are our only Father; worthy of all honor, and reverence, and respect. May we lay down our lives in sacrifice, so that Your words and Your message might spread without resistance; devoid of selfish conceit. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and grant us the strength to live in submission to Your will. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

God is Omniscient

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JESUS SPEAKING

  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1: 46 – 50)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  After proclaiming that Nathanael’s heart was devoid of lies, Jesus mentioned seeing him beneath a fig tree; a secret moment that the Lord could not have physically witnessed. In response to this impossible revelation, Nathanael identified Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. This brief interaction exemplifies a broader religious doctrine known as omniscience; omniscience is defined as possessing the knowledge of all things, seen and unseen. God alone is omniscient. Nothing, including our secret thoughts and desires are hidden from Him.

  During the growth of the early Church, there lived a couple known as Ananias and Sapphira. They chose to sell a piece of property and distribute the proceeds to the apostles. However, they secretly kept a portion of the money for themselves. When they brought their gift to Peter, they lied, proclaiming that the amount given was the full measure of what they had received for the land. Peter addressed Ananias, saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit […] You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Ananias immediately fell to the ground dead. His wife, who continued the lie, perished shortly thereafter.

  The God of all creation can never be deceived. He is omniscient. He knows all things. The thoughts of the mind and the motives of the heart are all laid bare before Him. This is why the Holy Spirit is essential for Christian living and the avoidance of deception.. The Spirit fills us with truth and chases away the lies. Through God’s Spirit our hearts and minds are purified, and we receive the strength to accomplish His perfect will. May we always remain aware of,God’s supernatural perception and presence.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be more like You. May we walk in the truth and live in the light. Sanctify us through Your Holy Spirit, and give us the strength to remain obedient to Your will. May we always recognize Your omniscience and divine oversight. May we always seek to glorify Your Holy Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Spiritual Discernment

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JESUS SPEAKING

  He asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 – 17)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Despite observing His numerous miracles, the disciples remained uncertain as to which biblical figure Jesus represented (some believed He was a prophet.) And yet God instantly accomplished a work in Peter’s heart; initiating a revelation of truth. Jesus was in fact, the Christ; the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This account represents what is commonly referred to in Christian tradition as ‘spiritual discernment;’ a supernatural understanding of right and wrong, as it applies to the truth, or any given circumstance.

  I once heard an elderly Pastor explain an experience he’d encountered during the early days of his growing Church. As more congregants arrived, the size of the facility became inadequate. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased a large piece of property on credit; supposing that God would provide for their financial needs. As it happened, a very wealthy congregant offered to pay off the entire loan immediately. Those bound by human wisdom would’ve accepted the offer. The Pastor however, carefully considered the proposition. In turn, God gave him spiritual discernment. Sensing that something wasn’t right, he rejected the man’s offer. Shortly thereafter, he was approached by a gas company that wanted to put a station in the area; they offered to buy a tiny sliver of land. The purchase was approved, and the money received was enough to pay off the entire loan. God eventually confirmed the correctness of his earlier decision, when he began having problems with the man who had offered to pay for the Church’s loan.

  ’Spiritual discernment’ is a precious gift from the Lord. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit provides those who believe with knowledge and understanding that transcends human wisdom. In this way, the faithful are often protected from the repercussions of sinful calamity and foolish decision m making. May we always hear the voice of God, and rightly discern our steps; that we may bring glory and honor to the one who saved us from death.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we understand the dangerous nature of human wisdom. We concede that You alone are the provider of all truth. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we might practice genuine discernment. In turn, may we avoid sin and accomplish your good works. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!