"Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture that they cannot understand; but as for me, I always noticed that the passages in Scripture that trouble me most are those that I do understand."
~ Mark Twain
~ Mark Twain
Sharp Two-edged Sword
These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
"I know your works ... And you hold fast to My name ... But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught ... to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality... Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth."
~ Revelation 2:12-16 (NKJV)
"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required ..."
~ Luke 12:47-48 (NKJV)
To the church at Pergamos Jesus portrays Himself with a sword. The sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. The Word alone was powerful enough to create the universe. When He was tempted Jesus used Scripture to defeat the devil. Jesus is named both Bread of Life and Word of God.
He is prepared to use this sword against whom? Those in the church with bad doctrine, who give a nod to what is immoral.
Good and bad religion will be addressed in the next post from Revelation, in examining Jesus' words to the church in Thyatira. For now it's sufficient to point out the words of Jesus from Luke. While knowing His will and disregarding it shall certainly be dealt with, even failing to heed His will out of ignorance brings consequences.
Before thinking "unfair," consider that God gives us consciences. His moral law is written on hearts that can remain ignorant of His Word and still be guilty. How much more so might He expect those of us with abundant access to the Bible to understand our Master's will and do it?
Our most wealthy nation's greatest treasure are the Bibles available everywhere. We are stewards not only of the material riches entrusted to us, but especially of God's Word.
Bread of Life, we live not on bread alone but upon every word from Your mouth. You give our souls the sustenance of eternal life. Please increase our desire for and understand of the Bible that we might learn it, love it, and live it.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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Yes Lord! And thank you Anne for your efforts here. You clarify on a daily basis. Good strong work Anne!
ReplyDeleteBecause of Him, I shall never hunger. The precious bread of life satisfies my hunger always.
ReplyDeleteSomeone said to me recently, "You Christians are not very accepting. Jesus Christ was VERY accepting." I gently pointed out that Jesus Christ was LOVING. He loved in SPITE of the fact that He disapproved of sin--that goes for my sin first.
ReplyDeleteBecause of Him, we can love everyone, even those mired in sin. That doesn't mean that we have to, or even should, accept sinful lifestyles as viable, good alternatives to God's plan.
Sadly, you could almost see this person's head explode. That's how far down the "love = acceptance" road we've traveled. And it's why the word "sin" rankles so far under our skin.
Great thoughts, Anne. Have a blessed Thursday.
I absolutely love that--we are stewards not only of material riches, but of his word as well!
ReplyDeleteSuch a powerful thought for today. I'm a firm believer that there is a time to quote the Bible and then there are times to remain silent, comforting, listening...loving.
I take offense when people quote things out of context and bend the word, manipulating it for an excuse to carry on with a pleasure, pain or sin.
Sending love,
~ Wendy
I've been known to charge my kids with "blowing smoke" -- when they fail to carry out an school assignment, request from me or their dad, or any other directive because they just "didn't get it."
ReplyDeleteSaying "I don't get it" and walking away just doesn't cut it -- if I don't get it, I need to ask more questions, do more study, dig a little deeper. If my heart is really to obey God, then not understanding His word would not ever provide me a viable excuse to ignore it. (Not to say I don't ever give it a shot, blowing smoke with God . . . but I know it won't hold up.)
"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required..."
ReplyDeleteI read a statement recently about how most of us have way more knowledge than we are putting into practice already. Hearing but not doing. I'm wondering if most of us even spend time thinking about the consequences of our inactivity.
I agree with you in your prayer ~ may we learn it, love it, and live it out. For what is knowledge without action?
T. Anne, I've appreciated your daily presence here. Thank you for your words.
ReplyDeleteDenise, He does satisfy, always in all ways. At ALL times, "Blessed be the name of the LORD!"
Gwen, I most certainly agree. If sin didn't matter, what explanation is there for Calvary?
Wendy, you're such a dear. I think manipulating Scripture is no different than taking the Lord's name in vain. Stay in the Word!
Lyla, I love what you say about the need to dig deeper, ask more questions. God wants us to understand!
Patty, I borrowed those words from my church's initiative. I'm blessed to attend a Bible church where God's Word is exalted.