Bible Reading: Exodus 7,8; Matthew 15:1-20
“Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?” Matthew 15:12 (KJV)
The Psalmist said something profound in Psalm 138:2b (Amplified), “… for You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name.” God has many names; but put together He magnifies His word above all His name! The word of God is Jesus personified. He is scripture Himself. He told the Pharisees, The scriptures all talk and testify about Me (John 5:39). Moreso, 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT) says, ” All scriptures is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” The word of God is for our own good.
I remember the first time I stepped into Church some years ago. I had been led to go to church that morning as I could not sleep all through the night. I kept hearing go to church. Before that day I played football every Sunday morning. Even though I got there late, the words of the Pastor hit me immediately! It was like he was speaking directly to me, like he found out all I have been doing and knew I was around that day. I left the church before the service ended as the words were too heavy for me.
Next Sunday I went to the same church. Same thing happened; his teachings were all directed at me. I have been found out. I just want to stop. I didn’t know those things were so wrong I was hurting, not only myself, but Jesus. I surrendered my life to Christ and I have had peace since that day till today. But I will always be grateful to the man of God in that church in Ajah who spoke those words the way God gave him. It all entered into me.
Jesus started it; He spoke the word as directed by God. We should emulate the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Who the audience is does not matter. Men of God should do well to follow Jesus example to speak the word as directed by the Holy Ghost. The Pharisees were putting traditions above the word of God, and as leaders, were leading people blindly. The disciples were concerned for Jesus because the Pharisees were highly respected in the society. But Jesus’ meat is to do the will of Him that sent Him.
Let us speak the words as directed by the Holy Ghost and let God handle the changes or offences that come from among the recipients.
Bro. Onyema Aghanenu