“Look, Jesus is not against social action: is He not the one that took whips to drive out the moneychangers and overturned their tables?” Jn 2:15, 16. Yes, but did His whips land on innocent bystanders? “But what can we do? Government doesn't listen to anything but strike and some force. Is it unchristian to protest injustice?” It is not unchristian; Paul (Acts22:24-25) and Jesus protested injustice. One of the officers standing nearby slapped Jesus on the face and said, "Is that any way to answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If I have said anything wrong, tell me what it was. But if I have told the truth, why do you hit me?" Jn 18:22, 23(ISV) but after the protest: When he suffered, he did not threaten but made it his habit to commit the matter to the one who judges fairly 1Pt 2:23(ISV).
“Eh hehn now, this is a lawful form of protest.” Sometimes you need to choose between legitimacy and behaving like a Christian: submit yourselves to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are kind and fair, but also to those who are unjust. If you suffer for doing good and take it patiently, you have God's approval. This is, in fact, what you were called to do 1Pe 2:18, 20-21(ISV)
“That applied to the Roman society; we live in a democratic society now and should not be seen as saboteurs of attempts at our own welfare.” Do not follow the majority when they do wrong Ex 23:2(GNB). Trade unions will fight for their welfare and money, but such fights can run against the faith of Jesus. Whilst we live on this earth we have a greater responsibility: Slaves are to submit themselves to their masters in everything, aiming to please them and not argue with them ...so that in every way they may make the teaching about God our Saviour more attractive Tit 2:9, 10(ISV).
“I am not a slave. My God calls me to liberty. The way you talk, you will be cheated forever. I need my pay and God will use this strike to bring it to me.” I can't be cheated, not for long. Put your life in the hands of the Lord; have faith in him and he will do it Psalm 37:5(BBE). “I trust him, Mike, I do.” The real expression of faith at the end of the day is obedience even when you can't see what the result will be. Heb 11:8 You are a Christian: do only what Jesus would, no matter the consequences.
“So what will I do if the union people block my way? Do I fight them?” By no means: But I say to you, Do not make use of force against an evil man Mat 5:39(BBE) just make your stand clear early, be available and wisely do your bit.
Saturday 29 May 2010
Thursday 20 May 2010
ARE YOU STILL FRUITFUL? Week 20, 2010
“You want to make me feel guilty. I won't see patients while on strike.” It's not to make you guilty. Did Jesus not say I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' Mt 25:36 (GNB). Why are you abandoning Him now? “I am not; there are private institutions for them to go.” Can they afford it? “Is that my fault?” Look the King will make answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Because you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me Mat 25:40(BBE). These poor unknown with no connections are the ones to be especially careful about, tell that union early o. Jesus is concerned about the least of my brethren. “You ask a hard thing from me.” I know it is not easy for you but Jesus is hungry; give Him some fruit. Jesus was hungry. He saw in the distance a fig tree covered with leaves, so he went to see if he could find any figs on it Mk 11:12, 13(GNB).
“In the past I did what you said. Look I have used my own money before to treat patients. When the strike is over I will continue. You know your right hand should not let the left know your good deeds or I would have told you of those I have helped in the past. Times are getting harder; if you don't need the money I do.” Bless God for you, the Lord reward you, but you see that tree was like you. Like you that tree had borne fruit before. Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one shall ever eat figs from you again!" And his disciples heard him. Mk 11:14(GNB). You don't say "again" if it has not happened in the past. This means it had borne fruit sometime in the past; just like you. “I don't know why I am still discussing this with you, the time is not conducive for me to do such things can't you see?” Ah! Not conducive. Was it conducive for the fig tree at that time to bear fruit? Did not scripture say it was not the time for figs yet Jesus cursed it? But when he came to it, he found only leaves, because it was not the right time for figs Mk 11:13(GNB).
“Stop this intimidation at once! I am a Christian, I serve Jesus. It is the government that is at fault. Stop blaming me and go preach to them.” Okay, but hear me out: why have you decided to allow situations to mould you? Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Rom 12:2 (GNB) Government is making innocent people suffer so you too will make innocent people suffer so that you can get your due. Do you love your rights more than you want to be like Jesus? Is your need for justice greater than your love for God?
Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Rom 12:21
“In the past I did what you said. Look I have used my own money before to treat patients. When the strike is over I will continue. You know your right hand should not let the left know your good deeds or I would have told you of those I have helped in the past. Times are getting harder; if you don't need the money I do.” Bless God for you, the Lord reward you, but you see that tree was like you. Like you that tree had borne fruit before. Jesus said to the fig tree, "No one shall ever eat figs from you again!" And his disciples heard him. Mk 11:14(GNB). You don't say "again" if it has not happened in the past. This means it had borne fruit sometime in the past; just like you. “I don't know why I am still discussing this with you, the time is not conducive for me to do such things can't you see?” Ah! Not conducive. Was it conducive for the fig tree at that time to bear fruit? Did not scripture say it was not the time for figs yet Jesus cursed it? But when he came to it, he found only leaves, because it was not the right time for figs Mk 11:13(GNB).
“Stop this intimidation at once! I am a Christian, I serve Jesus. It is the government that is at fault. Stop blaming me and go preach to them.” Okay, but hear me out: why have you decided to allow situations to mould you? Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Rom 12:2 (GNB) Government is making innocent people suffer so you too will make innocent people suffer so that you can get your due. Do you love your rights more than you want to be like Jesus? Is your need for justice greater than your love for God?
Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Rom 12:21
Saturday 15 May 2010
INN KEEPER OR SAMARITAN Week 19, 2010
Won’t you attend to the patient? I hear he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead Lk 10:30(ESV). “Sorry there is a strike; we have not been paid our due and the union says no work.” Help now, he is not the reason why you have not been paid; he has nothing against you. “You want them to wound me? It can be risky trying to get there. It’s not my fault: blame the government. People have to suffer for something good to come.” Remember a Samaritan, as he journeyed... when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him Lk 10:33, 34(ESV). He could have reasoned the robbers were still around and that he was at risk.
“Listen; I am not like the priest or Levite. When I see accident victims I stop and help. I am like the inn keeper who takes care of them. Besides we are not on a journey here. I am a paid worker and owe obedience to my association. Did God not say we should obey every authority?” May I tell you it was not the inn keeper that was commended? When Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." Luke 10:37(ESV) He meant the Samaritan, not the inn keeper. “What are you saying; what wrong did the inn keeper do? He helped look after the sick man. Is it wrong to do your job?” It is not wrong, but it seems your type of inn keeper looks after a man simply because he is paid to do so. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll repay you when I come back.' Lk 10:35(ISV). If the Samaritan did not bring out any money in advance, with your attitude the good work of the Samaritan would have ended.
“Why have you condemned the inn keeper, Jesus did not condemn him but is silent about him.” He did not praise him either. Does he give praise to the servant because he did what was ordered? In the same way, when you have done all the things which are given you to do, say, There is no profit in us, for we have only done what we were ordered to do Lk 17:9,10(BBE) . Heaven accounts profit when you love the unlovely and those who hate you. If you want God to praise you be like the Samaritan.
For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings Hos 6:6(MKJV).
“Listen; I am not like the priest or Levite. When I see accident victims I stop and help. I am like the inn keeper who takes care of them. Besides we are not on a journey here. I am a paid worker and owe obedience to my association. Did God not say we should obey every authority?” May I tell you it was not the inn keeper that was commended? When Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise." Luke 10:37(ESV) He meant the Samaritan, not the inn keeper. “What are you saying; what wrong did the inn keeper do? He helped look after the sick man. Is it wrong to do your job?” It is not wrong, but it seems your type of inn keeper looks after a man simply because he is paid to do so. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, 'Take good care of him. If you spend more than that, I'll repay you when I come back.' Lk 10:35(ISV). If the Samaritan did not bring out any money in advance, with your attitude the good work of the Samaritan would have ended.
“Why have you condemned the inn keeper, Jesus did not condemn him but is silent about him.” He did not praise him either. Does he give praise to the servant because he did what was ordered? In the same way, when you have done all the things which are given you to do, say, There is no profit in us, for we have only done what we were ordered to do Lk 17:9,10(BBE) . Heaven accounts profit when you love the unlovely and those who hate you. If you want God to praise you be like the Samaritan.
For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings Hos 6:6(MKJV).
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Respect or Conviction ? week 18, 2010
Hello sir, it has been a pleasure having you visit our church. “My pleasure.” Sir could I ask you a question? Do you have any thing against evangelism? You seemed to frown when the matter was brought up. “Well I certainly want you to express your faith, carry on, however I would not wish to upset a number of my friends by claiming they were on the road to hell!”
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? “I wonder at the question; of course I do. I admire his teachings and wish every one would emulate his exemplary life. I have respected the teachings of the faith from my youth.” That’s great sir, but may I say that respect is not the same as conviction. You may pay to watch a man walk on a rope between two buildings but may never permit him to carry you on such a journey. “And why may I ask did you use that analogy on me?” Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jn 14:6(ISV) I think if you are truly convinced Jesus is the only way to eternal life you would risk upsetting your friends that they may be saved like you would risk offending an alchoholic, or a smoker, by suggesting it is killing. You may respect Jesus but unless you are fully convinced about his claims you cannot be saved. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins." Jn 8:24 (ISV)
“Are you suggesting the Christian life is a tight rope walk?” Ah, the way to eternal life can be compared favorably to it sir. "Go in through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is spacious that leads to destruction, and many people are entering by it. How narrow is the gate and how constricted is the road that leads to life, and few are the people who find it!" Mat 7:13, 14(ISV) Only Jesus who has gone through successfully guarantees you a safe passage. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the holy place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf. Heb 6:19, 20(GW)
“Well I know quite a number of adherents of other faiths who live even better and more upright lives than so called Christians; and I hate religious bigotry.” You may be right sir, but it is not the many so called Christians I want you to examine but the substance of your own convictions or lack of it. “Well that will be for another day.” Thank you for your time sir. “Thank you.”
Do you believe in Jesus Christ? “I wonder at the question; of course I do. I admire his teachings and wish every one would emulate his exemplary life. I have respected the teachings of the faith from my youth.” That’s great sir, but may I say that respect is not the same as conviction. You may pay to watch a man walk on a rope between two buildings but may never permit him to carry you on such a journey. “And why may I ask did you use that analogy on me?” Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jn 14:6(ISV) I think if you are truly convinced Jesus is the only way to eternal life you would risk upsetting your friends that they may be saved like you would risk offending an alchoholic, or a smoker, by suggesting it is killing. You may respect Jesus but unless you are fully convinced about his claims you cannot be saved. That is why I told you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins." Jn 8:24 (ISV)
“Are you suggesting the Christian life is a tight rope walk?” Ah, the way to eternal life can be compared favorably to it sir. "Go in through the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the road is spacious that leads to destruction, and many people are entering by it. How narrow is the gate and how constricted is the road that leads to life, and few are the people who find it!" Mat 7:13, 14(ISV) Only Jesus who has gone through successfully guarantees you a safe passage. We have this confidence as a sure and strong anchor for our lives. This confidence goes into the holy place behind the curtain where Jesus went before us on our behalf. Heb 6:19, 20(GW)
“Well I know quite a number of adherents of other faiths who live even better and more upright lives than so called Christians; and I hate religious bigotry.” You may be right sir, but it is not the many so called Christians I want you to examine but the substance of your own convictions or lack of it. “Well that will be for another day.” Thank you for your time sir. “Thank you.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
