When God Says …
“And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” (Luke 7:29-30 KJV).
We just witnessed the Lord Jesus explained to the crowd the significance of John the Baptist as the greatest among the prophets born of women. He heralds the Messiah's coming and prepares the hearts of the Jews for their Savior. In these passages, Luke is revealing their recognition of God's righteousness through the message they heard by Christ Jesus. The message of the Lord Jesus is clear for them who have been baptized by John the Baptist. Their hearts are prepared for the truth! They're the publicans and tax collectors, and perhaps some who are less or non religious Jews. They submit themselves to public declaration of repentance (turning back to God), through total emersion in water of the baptism of John affirming their repentance. This they do by turning from their direction of running away from God in a complete turn around to return to God's loving arms. In so doing, they receive salvation through grace, by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The Pharisees and the lawyers (the Scribes) on the other hand who were not baptized by John the Baptist, rejected the counsel of God through the message of truth by the Lord Jesus Christ. Their avoidance and resistance against John's baptism made their hearts hardened and unprepared to receive their Savior - the Lord Jesus Christ, and His words. These religious Jews claimed to be children of Abraham and that God is their Father, but failed to recognize and receive the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:33-42). This, therefore, serves as a stirring up for those who cling to their religion as a way to God, following man-made doctrines of dos and don'ts. God is calling you: come to grace in the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:17). Receive His Lordship and be born again by faith, as the Lord Jesus Christ revealed to one of the Pharisees named Nicodemus in John 3:3.
Referring to these egotist unrepentant religious Jews, and to all religious people of these days, in the account recorded by the Apostle John, it is written: “Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me.” (John 8:42-45 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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