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2000-07-27 - Scandalon
Luke 12:50-53 "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace
on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; 52 for from
now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two,
and two against three. 53 "They will be divided, father against
son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against
mother; mother-in-law against daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against
mother-in-law." (NASB)
A scandalon is a stumbling stone - something that causes people who encounter
it to trip over it like a large, uneven crack in a sidewalk. This can be
a mental stumbling block, or a physical stone stuck fast in the ground. The
gospel of Jesus Christ, the good news for mankind, is a stumbling block to
men. The thing that should set men and women free offends them because they,
in their pride, can not participate in their salvation.
Rom 6:6-7 knowing this, that our old self was crucified
with Him, that our body of sin might be done away with, that we should no
longer be slaves to sin; 7 for he who has died is freed from
sin. (NASB)
The truth is that our souls are wrecked beyond redemption. God does not revive
the old man and rebuild him. The old man is put to death - literally crucified.
Crucifixion is a devastating and demoralizing thing. God gives us a new spirit
to replace the old one that is dying as we live on. Christ gives us His own
life, imputing to us His perfection and likeness. When we stand before the
Father, it is His Son that He sees instead of us.
Rom 1:20-23 For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen,
being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.
21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him
as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and
their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise,
they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the
incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds
and four-footed animals and crawling creatures. (NAS)
So why is this a problem to mankind? We are proud. We like to think we know
better, or we have figured out a better way. We might even help God out with
our good ideas. Like Sarah who helped God and gave Hagar to Abraham to fulfill
the promise God had given to them for a son. Like Adam and Eve knew better
when they decided the fruit of the tree looked good enough to eat. It's not
unlike you and me a dozen times when we put ourselves into situations that
we honestly knew we should not be getting into beforehand. But we decided
in our pride that we could handle the situation. Like little children we
want to help or to do it ourselves. We proclaim our wisdom and explain how
we have figured out the hidden something that God really has planned. He
has made His plans known in His Word. He is faithful and true and will not
deviate from His stated path in spite of our stunning insights.
Eph 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith;
and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not
as a result of works, that no one should boast. (NAS)
The amazing fact is that we are so helpless that God provides the grace through
faith. But He even provides the faith to believe so that we have done absolutely
nothing to help in our salvation. At the same time we are told in Isaiah 55
to come so that we will be given the blessings of God. It seems there
is some fight that we must surrender. Matthew 18:3 says that unless
we are converted and become like little children, we will not see the kingdom
of God. We must learn to believe again like toddlers, trusting for awhile
until we become more mature in our faith. Paul speaks of those who can only
drink the milk of the Word, as opposed to those who eat the meat of the Word.
How difficult this is, especially for adults who are used to being in control
of their circumstances and having a more complete understanding of things.
To start all over again is not easy. It is frustrating and in some ways humbling.
It tugs at our pride to fight for our honor. Little children are not upset
by not knowing things. They simply ask, "Why?" and "How?" often repeatedly.
Prov 3:5-8 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And
do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways
acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7 Do
not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your body, And refreshment to your
bones. (NAS)
The gospel is as much a stumbling block to the world today as Jesus was to
Israel looking for a conquering Messiah to throw off the Roman yoke two millennia
ago. Jesus warned us that He had not come to bring peace, but that families
would be divided over issues of faith in Him. That is why two will be working
in a field and only one will be taken when Jesus returns. Our understanding
would say that if we live good lives, if we do more good things than bad
things, God will allow us into Heaven. The correct path is explained in knowing
that there is no other name in all creation that saves but Jesus' name. But
knowing you have been set free from sin is freedom and refreshment to body
and soul. That freedom is available without cost for the asking, if we will
not stumble over our pride.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come." And
let the one who hears say, "Come." And let the one who is thirsty come; let
the one who wishes take the water of life without cost. (NASB)
Lord Jesus - give men and women everywhere the courage
to stop struggling for the comfort and control of their own understanding.
Help them to let go of their pride so they will not stumble over the simple
truth that You love them, and came to die for them so they could be set free
to live forever in glory with You. You have promised not to turn anyone away
who comes with a sincere heart. Remind us to point the way home to those
who are seeking. Amen.
Grace & Peace,
Mike
jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
2002-09-21 2004-05-13
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