And He was teaching daily in the temple. But the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him, and were unable to do anything; for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. (Luke 19:47-48)

A parallel passage to the above is recorded in John 12:17-19.  Both John and Luke report events close to the time of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  These were the last few days of Jesus.  The controversy surrounding him was increasing.

The reaction to his powerful teaching and work was varied.  Many “hung on his every word” and others wanted to destroy him.  The pure and simple truth of Jesus usually gets one response or the other.  There is no neutrality with Christ!

At least four features of Christ’s message prompts the above reaction.  First, Christ’s message is personal.  To call one a “sinner” will cause one to seek a solution, but cause another to “take it personally”.  Second, the height of his message must be considered.  Jesus points to an everlasting heaven which is attractive to some, but to others, it is mundane and boring. Third,Jesus’ message is sustained by his remarkable character.  Some are angered or intimidated by his purity of life, but others are drawn to his stability and graciousness.  Fourth, the message of Christ is truthful.  Jesus did not indulge in hair-splitting arguments and vague generalities.  The message was real and backed by abundant evidence.

Today, the word of Christ is received in the same way - either joyfully or with hatred.  His precepts flow on like a mighty river in the midst of those who seek to discredit. Some reject them and others accept them finding hope and consolation.

By George Slover

that, as it is written, "He who glories, let him glory in the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

The word glory literally means to boast. The prideful teachers at Corinth prompted Paul to dwell on this word in both of his letters to them. God is the only true object in which one can boast. 

The mark of a true disciple is humility. He realizes that the blessings Paul had previously enumerated, wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption are not due to his own merit. Humility is an absolute prerequisite to fellowship with God. A good test of one's salvation is whether one boasts in himself or ascribes it to the glory of God.

True disciples do not boast in themselves. They do not pride themselves in their own positions and power. It is easy to think highly of self and denigrate others. Although Christians are highly favored by God, we must never forget where the grace comes from. Though we are called to be zealous of good works, we must not gloat in our own accomplishments. Though we are called to be holy we have no right to boast in our own virtues.

True disciples glory in God. They are grateful to God for everything they have both spiritual and physical. They are indebted to God for his indescribable mercy. They are thankful for God's wise counsel, comfort, and strength. True disciples are glad God has given them the incredible opportunity to be his servants.

Only God can clothe a man with righteousness, separate him for service, and redeem him from sin. It is our job to humble ourselves and exalt him from whom all blessings come.

By George Slover

Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:18)

The book of James begins with encouragement regarding various trials and temptations. For one to be blessed, they must patiently endure the trials and resist the temptation. They must look into the perfect law of liberty and keep it. (Vs. 25)

What is the source of our temptations? Such solicitations come from one’s own desires and not from God, for he does not tempt us with evil. Sadly, when one allows those desires to conceive, it can lead to sin and death.

Instead of tempting man with evil, God is the giver of good and perfect gifts. He is the father of lights. In God there is no darkness, but only what is pure and righteous. Every blessing from God is good.

While God bestows many blessings, James singles out the best of all of Gods gifts - “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth”. Of all of God’s activities, his supreme object is to re-create life through his truth so that men should belong to him!

This marvelous gift was not offered because we deserve it. Nor is the gift bestowed by impulse, but according to the good pleasure of God‘s will. It is God‘s nature to love and bestow such gifts of grace to undeserving creatures.

The word of truth is the instrument God uses to accomplish this goal. The doctrine of grace is contained in scripture. Only through God‘s word can one be convicted of sin and be led to trust in Christ for forgiveness and renewal.

Those who receive the gift God offers become the “first fruits of his creatures”. The first fruits are a token or pledge of a greater harvest. In the Old Testament, the first fruits were deemed special and consecrated to God. It carries the idea of excellence. God so loved us that “he chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession”. (James 1:18) (NLT)

Beloved disciples, remember each day who you are – that according to God’s pleasure you are his prized possession.

By George Slover

 

For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. (2 Peter 1:16)

The Lord Jesus Christ is the focal point of the apostles preaching.  His first advent, of which the apostles were witnesses, is the object of the Christian’s faith. Christ’s second advent is the object of the Christian’s hope. A foundation of such faith and hope are those who testified of the marvelous revelation of Jesus.

The Christian’s faith is not based on fables.  There were many strange stories circulating among both the Jews and the Gentiles.  (Matthew 13:22) But the story of Jesus is not a myth. It is history- real history.  The story of Jesus is an incredible one.  The apostles were witnesses of those things Jesus did and taught. 

The Christian’s faith is based on eyewitnesses.  The apostles were eyewitnesses of his Majesty.  The word “eyewitness” alludes to the careful scrutiny of those who testified.  There was no deception or imagination.  They truly witnessed his majesty!  Peter, James, and John saw in Jesus the glory of God on the Holy Mountain. 

The Christian’s faith is based on the testimony of the Father.  On the mountain of transfiguration, the apostles not only saw the glory of God but heard a voice from heaven.  The Father said: “this is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5)  Only the Father could make such an announcement.   He was well pleased with his son!  Instead of Moses or Elijah, man must now listen to Him.  Regardless of what man may think of Jesus, he is still honored by the Father.   It would behoove us to heed the Father and listen to his son. 

Human nature is such that it would be easy to doubt the incredible story of Jesus. However, when one fully examines the evidence and accepts its reality with trust, love, and hope, he is constrained to make Jesus his Lord and is motivated by the promise of the Lord’s victorious return. (2 Peter 3:10-14)

By George Slover

And who is like Your people, like Israel, the one nation on the earth whom God went to redeem for Himself as a people, to make for Himself a name-and to do for Youself great and awesome deeds for Your land-before Your people whom You redeemed for Yourself from Egypt, the nations, and their gods? (2 Samuel 7:23 NKJV)

This is one of my favorite moments in Old Testament history.  It is a great moment in David's life.  Instead of pouting that God has denied him the right to build the temple David goes before the Lord in submission and gratitude.  Included in his prayer is gratefulness for what God has done for Israel. God has redeemed for himself a people. He has delivered them from Egyptian bondage.  By this action he made a name for himself. 

While Israel was blessed above all the nations Christians are blessed above all people. Israel was delivered from Egyptian bondage, but Christians are delivered from the bondage of sin (Titus 2:14) and the threat of death (Hebrews 2:15). 

When God led Israel out of Egypt he did marvelous things for them such as parting the Red Sea. For our eternal redemption, God commended his love toward us by the death of his Son (Romans 5:8). By the power of the Holy Spirit, he revealed and confirmed this incredible story of love. Just as God made a name for himself in the redemption of Israel he also purchased a people by the blood of his Son “to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:6). Jesus through his humility acquired a name that is above every name (Philippians 2:9-11).

What a marvelous thought that God intervened powerfully in the nation of Israel to nurture her, patiently enduring her stubbornness to ultimately produce a Savior for the world. Thoughts of the rich blessings enjoyed in Christ should bring us to our knees and call us to say: “And what is my house, that You have brought me this far” (2 Samuel 7:18)?

By George Slover