When God Says …
“Then saith one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, which should betray him, Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor? This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” (John 12:4-6 KJV).
Even among the chosen elect, some can be used by the enemy of our soul to discredit our sincere display of faith, than to edify or encourage it. Satan has a way of worming in the body of believers to find greedy and selfish hearts like Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, who was among the twelve chosen by the Lord. He was equipped with pious sounding words to criticize those who are willing to sacrifice, as Mary did, for the glory of God.
Does that mean we give up on believers as a whole? Well, did Jesus give up on his other inner circle of believers because one of them was a greedy traitor, or always overstate his faith and love or doubting or often confused? Of course not! Where else can we find a person wrestling with heart issues, other than among those still in the world! That's why by faith, we need the grace of our Saviour!
The real issue is whether those who see and experience it among those who are saved, give in to pious sounding critics or gently confront them with the truth, as the Lord Jesus did with Judas. That is what we are reminded in these passages. Too many who sacrifice and serve are not affirmed, but rather are vilified. The Lord Jesus shows us this must not be! Apostle Paul is nudging us with this exhortation:“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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