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 some to seek a solution, but cause others 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 of 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 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

as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." (1 Peter 2:2-3)

In the context, Peter has reminded his audience of the incorruptible word of God by which they had been born into God's family (1 Peter 1:23). He now exhorts these new disciples to desire the milk of the word so that they can grow to maturity.

Apparently, Psalm 34 is important to Peter, for at least twice he cites the Psalm in this letter. Perhaps the parallel is that both the Psalm and Peter’s letter speak of the affliction of the righteous (Psalm 34:19, 1Peter 4:16). In this context, Peter quotes the Psalm to remind them of the goodness of God. 

The Greek word chrestotes signifies graciousness or kindness. Peter says "the Lord is gracious"! Peter uses this to motivate his readers to pursue spiritual growth. He knows that these who have tasted the sweetness of God will long for more. “Your taste of God's goodness is just a foretaste of what is possible!” 

The road to spiritual maturity starts with a desire of the word. It is by  the influence of the word they will grow. God’s word is the true spiritual food for the soul. His word is also sweet to taste (Psalm 19:10). When one does not feast upon God’s spiritual food they are not growing, and if starved long enough they will die spiritually. 

Our word “kindness” is also found in Titus 3:4. Paul is exhorting these immature, contentious, unruly Cretans to be gentle. It was the kindness of God that softened their hearts and moved them to remove the hate (Titus 3:3) and replace it with meekness (Titus 3:2).

God's goodness is not an excuse to spiritual laziness but should be an incentive to diligence. Anyone who pursues God will surely taste his kindness.  Experiencing in his graciousness will surely leave one desiring more.

By George Slover

By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net

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By George Slover    |    Visit www.smcofc.org or www.ibiblestudy.net