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“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots.” (Isaiah 11:1)

It was not from Isaiah that the Jews mistakenly expected the Messiah to be a mighty temporal prince with armies that would break the yoke of Roman oppression.  From Jesse's stem, a shoot will sprout forth and a green branch burst forth from its roots.

The very idea of a sucker springing from a hewn stump seems inconsistent with the idea of a mighty Messiah. At the time of Isaiah's work powerful empires such as Assyria and Babylon ruled the world. It would seem inconceivable that the Savior could arise from the lowly state of David's household.

During the time of another world power, the Roman Empire, at a time chosen by God,   when David's house was reduced to its lowest state, a virgin, a poor peasant girl, gave birth to a child would be the savior of the world.

This savior was born into a poor family, born in a manger in the village of Bethlehem. Herod would have killed the child if he had been allowed.  After a  sojourn in Egypt, his parents made their home in lowly Nazareth. John records,  “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.” (John 1:11)

This sucker grew and began to receive attention.  Luke records:  “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men”. (Luke 2:52)  They marveled at his signs and wonders, and even his very words.  They were astonished at his wisdom and understanding.

Ultimately, the branch of Jesse became a wise teacher, a gracious healer, a suffering servant, and the means of victory over sin and death. The despised tree of David became a healer of nations whose fruit was for the redemption of a world in dead in sin.

Is he your savior?  He can be if you will obey him.  (Hebrews 5:8,9)

By George Slover
 

Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.”  (Acts 14:15)

The journey of Paul and Barnabas brought them to Lystra. The good tidings of the gospel were accompanied by the healing of a man lame from his birth. These messengers of God were appalled when the people of Lystra responded by honoring them as gods.

At each of the cities of Asia minor, they preached the good news of Jesus. Both Jews and Gentiles alike were converted to Christ and made heirs of the kingdom of God. However, Paul and Barnabas were not gods, but merely heralds of the heavenly message.

Those of Asia minor were tempted to mingle their view of the gods with Christianity. Paul and Barnabas plainly taught that worship belonged to God alone. “We are just men like you. Turn to God.”

What distinguishes the living God from the gods of men? Jehovah is the creator of all things including man.  By his unfailing love and power, he sustains this world with fruitful seasons. No man-made idol has ever had such power.

Paul and Barnabas energetically and powerfully disclaimed their connection to the gods. However, the Laconians could not be persuaded. Thus they soon were hurling stones at them.

Had the apostles been inclined they may have mingled heathenism with Christianity. Instead, they pointed them to the living God who alone is able to set them free.

By George Slover

and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)

“This I say and testify in the Lord” is how the apostle begins this section of the letter.  Not Paul, but the Lord is demanding a new walk, a new man, a new kind of life.

The appeal for this new life is based on the assumption that they have “learned Jesus”. This does not mean they have just learned about him, but they have reached an intimate knowledge of him.  This truth provokes them to put off the old man and put on the new man.

This new way of life is not learned by religious professors or religious institutions. The new man is found in Christ.  We must be taught by him, for the truth is only in Jesus. This new walk is patterned after God. God, not man, is the mentor.

The new man as a reflection of God's image manifests his character of righteousness and holiness. A moral change must take place. Whereas the former life was corrupt, the new life is guided by integrity, uprightness, and a high respect for God's purity.

As one reads the rest of the Ephesian letter he sees that Christ affects every phase of his life. He has a gentle, forgiving demeanor.  His speech edifies the hearer.  His family is well ordered.  And, he is respectful on the job. 

No professing Christian is exempted from this new way of living. Christ is our head. He is the source of truth, and our example. We must yield to his lead and allow him to change our life.

George Slover

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:17,18)

The temptation to teach arises from the notion that one possesses the wisdom to instruct. James challenges this notion with the question (vs. 13) that is designed to provoke self-examination. In verse 17 the fruits of heavenly wisdom are listed. 

James characterizes this heavenly wisdom with seven traits. Seven is a symbol of perfection in Biblical parlance. Whether that is the intent of James in this contact is not known. Obviously, each of these characteristics, as a whole describe one who is truly wise.

The first of these traits is purity. This quality specifically relates to one’s relationship with God. It means to be holy or free from defilement - “to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (James 1:27) Purity is a foundational quality that influences everything else. It describes what is truly in one's heart.

The next six qualities relate to how a wise man treats others. He is to be peaceable, gentle, and easily entreated. He is not disposed conflict. Here is one who does not promote jealousy or factions. He judges everyone fairly and impartially. 

One who is “gentle” is courteous and considerate. He is willing to forgo provocation. He is accessible and willing to listen to the perspective of others. (James 1:19, 20) He is ready to forgive the wrongs of others. He is more concerned about the welfare of others than his own rights.

The wise man is “full of mercy and good fruits”. His instructions are backed by deeds of kindness and pity. The next phrase is disputed by scholars.  If "without partiality" (NKJV) is a good translation, the Holy Spirit is pointing to how one treats others fairly, or without favoritism. Other scholars believe the phrase points to a quality of “unwavering” conviction (NASB). Both of these characteristics of desirable. 

For one to be an effective teacher, he must be a manifestation of the qualities of true wisdom. He must use Jesus Christ a role model. With diligence and discipline, one can surely succeed in his pursuit.

By George Slover

When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23,24) 

Early Christians, forced to leave Jerusalem because of persecution, came preaching the Lord Jesus in Antioch. Some of these exiles were even sharing Christ with the Gentiles. When this good news came to Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to confirm these new souls. 

Barnabas was just the one qualified for the job, for he was a good man. The quality of such a teacher would include one of conviction. He was a firm and steadfast believer. Though there is some dispute here, some of the manuscripts suggest Gentiles were among the new converts.  This presented a challenge to Jewish Christians. (Acts 10,11) Barnabas was the kind of individual that would be perfect for the delicate job of bridging the gap between Jews and Gentiles, and to encourage these new disciples. 

Some six to seven years had passed since the death of Stephen. However, the persecution at Jerusalem caused the message of God to spread to other regions. When Barnabas arrived at Antioch and mingles with the disciples, he witnesses the fruit of God's grace.

Prior to the arrival of Barnabas, followers of Christ had come from Jerusalem to Antioch preaching the Lord Jesus. Those who received the message “turned it to the Lord”. Now, one more step is necessary. Having received Christ, they must resolve to cling to him.

Even in such an atmosphere of gladness, Barnabas knew of the temptation to turn back to the world. This is a world that is hostile to the cause of Christ. Apathy coupled with persecution could entice these Christians to fall away. They must cleave to the Lord.

Have you, dear reader, basked in God's grace? Have you received the blessings of Christ? If so, hang on to Christ. One day he will give you eternal blessings.

By George Slover