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TWO DANGERS - HASTE AND RELUCTANCE
In all the important affairs of life, extremes ought to be avoided. Two of these extremes have to do with the element of time. For one to rush into an important affair without giving it careful consideration is foolhardy. The same is true, if after one has carefully contemplated, considered and prayed about the affair, to still not act upon it. One might apply this in matters such as marriage, education, or a host of other things. Jesus once dealt with this important matter. In Matthew chapter eight (vv. 18-22) we find him confronted by two individuals. In whatever areas they may have been alike, there was vast difference in the way the approached the matter of following Jesus. Both were in danger of extremes in their attitude. The first was in danger because of his undue haste. This man was a scribe from among the Jews, and he comes to Jesus with an assurance that "I will follow thee withersoever thou goest." One might think that the Master would say something along the lines of, "that is a good thing; you are to be commended for your decision." But he did not take that approach. Instead he reminded the man that he did not have so much as the beasts of the field had; i.e. a place to lay his head. Jesus knew that as the Master was, so would be his servants. He was trying to get this man to see the need of "counting the cost" before making his decision. Jesus also taught a great lesson on this principle (Lk. -33). Was Jesus trying to dissuade this man from following him? By no means, but he did want him to know that there would be a price involved in being his disciple. It would be a great thing if all men were disciples of Jesus, but the Lord also said that if one, having put his hand to the plow, and then looked back, he was not fit for the kingdom of heaven" (Lk. 9:62). Yes, follow the Lord by all means, but give it careful consideration, looking at what is involved so that one will not fall away the next day, and so put himself in a worse position than he was before (2 Pet. 2:20). Wherein the first man. in ,our text was in haste, the second one was reluctant. He no doubt could see the importance of following Jesus, but was reluctant to do so at the time because of other matters which he evidently considered pressing. He said he had to take care of the burial of his father. Much has been said about the interchange between Jesus and this man; bid the man mean his father was physically , or spiritually so? We may never know; but that is not the point. The same is true with Jesus' answer. What did he mean precisely by saying to "'let the bury their ." We may never know exactly what Jesus meant by that remark. But one thing we do know - in effect, he told the man that his excuse was not good enough, and that he had put off following Jesus long enough. His reluctant put him in much danger. How many people yet know what they ought to do in following Jesus. Yet, how many "put it off because, in their minds, there are other matters of greater import at the time. Yes, haste needs to be avoided, but so does reluctance. As in other matters in man's existence, in this one he needs to learn the dangers of extremes. The principle of the "happy medium II is stressed in God's word, especially in books such as Ecclesiastes. Have you begun to follow Jesus? If not, give it careful consideration; don't agree to follow him unless you have weighed the matter and know that it is the right thing to do. Once you have come to the conclusion that a life of being a disciple of Jesus is the proper thing to do, then do so without undue delay or reluctance. Either extreme may be dangerous to your spiritual welfare. – Bill Moseley
IS CHRIST IMPORTANT?
Society has seen the greatest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ, relegated to nothing more than an historical character that sinned just like other men, and branded as an imposter who could not have been the Son of God. Witness some of the ungodly and totally inaccurate ways in which the movie industry has depicted him. In Ephesians one, Paul gives us a vastly different view of this great man of All will one day realize that here is what Christ is, even those who speak so blasphemously of him now - but then it will be too late. They fail to see that he also occupies another great position - that of judge (Acts -31). Then he will have the final word, and because of man's callous attitude toward him, he can show no mercy. Christ is important! He is supreme! That is a fact that all will acknowledge - if not in time, then in eternity. Which will it be with you? - Bill Moseley AND ANOTHER THING
(Not Quite There) Heard it on the news awhile back. The state of Sort of like some folks and their sins. Its alright to become involved in some unholy act, because “I’m not as bad as so and so; they have done worse things than me.” Oh yes, we are “not quite there” are we? We seem to think it may be alright with the Lord if we do something contrary to his will, just so long as there is somebody else out there that is “just a little worse” than we are. We are willing to be the “300,” but “don’t charge me with the “309!” Folks, sin is sin; it does not come in sizes, colors or “better” or “worse.” Watch out, or you may be wearing “SIN309!” – Bill Moseley Sort of like some folks and their sins. Its alright to become involved in some unholy act, because “I’m not as bad as so and so; they have done worse things than me.” Oh yes, we are “not quite there” are we? We seem to think it may be alright with the Lord if we do something contrary to his will, just so long as there is somebody else out there that is “just a little worse” than we are. We are willing to be the “300,” but “don’t charge me with the “309!” Folks, sin is sin; it does not come in sizes, colors or “better” or “worse.” Watch out, or you may be wearing “SIN309!” – Bill Moseley |
