The "socially incorrect" Jesus. Anyone that passes off Christ as demonstrating what the world considers "humanitarianism" in love toward everyone and acceptance is in for a rude awakening; particularly when reading Luke 11. We start off with His careful explanation on a type and model of HOW to pray (apparently based on similar patterns by John the Baptist to HIS disciples (v. 1). This; of course is found elsewhere in slightly different form in the Gospels. Then; there is the explanation on perseverance in asking the giver of all things for good gifts (i.e. the Holy Spirit in v. 13). Christ almost gets through this account without any unpleasant statements until that last verse when he states that they are "evil." So much for putting the Disciples who were; BTW saints as ALL true believers were (minus Judas Iscariot) at some sanctimonious level above the rest of any sinners saved by grace.
At this point; all bets are off. Jesus has to deal with the hearts of Pharisees; with their thoughts; or comments about Him using the Devil's (Beelzebub) power to cast out demons; and to the crowd in general saying that they are an "evil generation" seeking a sign (v. 29); then warning about light being darkness in us (or Satan appearing as an angel of light).
Finally; in verse 38 we see what would be considered (to say the least) bad manners after an invite to a meal. A simple concept of lack of handwashing which seemed trivial ended up in a railing accusation to the hypocrisy within for Pharisees in general. Then; to add insult to injury after He was informed that the lawyers were insulted He went after them!
(I would imagine there was a lot of indigestion there at that time).
The concept of righteous indignation especially among "religious" folks today seems like an ancient artifact. If judgment begins at the house of God; who is sounding the trumpet today?
But when it comes to righteous indignation (or better, anger) we really need to be careful that we are "majoring in majors and not majoring in minors". I've been in "church" situations where some address the pastor over insignificant matters, causing unneeded strife. Other times, people just brush off or look the other way concerning behaviors that are adverse to the godly way we are to behave and concerning teachings that are outrageously heretical or blasphemous. So, there is a "thin line" often between being truly acting from right motives and sinning when faced with something that we ought to be righteously angry over. But, we live in a culture, especially within the church that values "niceness" over honesty and being very "real". And people tend to be more receptive of flattery than honest, proper correction or even just an honest response.
In our society, sinful behaviors and words are not only to be tolerated, but accepted on equal level with the values of Christ and the belief in the exclusivity of the Christian Gospel over other religious beliefs. I face that in my own family, which is really at the root of the deep divide that exists. I don't know where all of this 'equity of acceptance of all things" will lead our society, but I do not think it will lead people to Jesus, for sure.
With all of this said, Jesus is the one who ultimately deals with the hearts, attitudes, and mindsets of other people. He may use us to bring truth, light, and conviction in others as well as consolation, encouragement, and uplifting of others who are downtrodden in their sins and seek a remedy.
I have met so many Christians who insist that Jesus never got angry or chastised or berated anyone. But He did, without sinning. He was always appropriate in any admonition or rebuke, getting straight to the heart of the matter to those who needed this. Yet He was gentle and compassionate to those who needed a loving, more soft-handed response from Him. He gave every person the words and works they most needed in those moments. We cannot, of course, know the minds and hearts of others like Jesus did and still does. But we can learn to discern what our response to others should be like. We learn to do this with our children in raising and nurturing them. Sometimes they need firmness and an unpleasant consequence, other times, grace, forgiveness, and understanding them in their weakness. Other times, we can give straight out instruction, and other times we let them try and fail at a task, learning to problem solve.
I do think we should never excuse in ourselves bad manners, ill feelings, nor rudeness to others, but in walking with the Spirit we can come to know what is the best and most appropriate things to say and do. For instance, this week I needed to advocate for my siblings in matters concerning how our oldest sister, who is power of attorney and executor of our Mom's estate is not only handling these funds, but in requesting that she disclose bank statements and an accounting of what is paid out, for what, and to whom. I knew that it would not sit well with her or a few other siblings who usually are on her side of the deep divide in our family (decades old), but I knew that I needed to address this sooner rather than later, for her benefit as well as for my other siblings who are all equal heirs. My request stirred up some emotional responses from some, but others were thanking me for addressing this issue. But my conscience is clear, as I meant no harm, nor had any ill intentions in this.
The first thing that comes to mind, is a need from the Holy One! Only He knows what we need and when! If I know these things, then I should be happy!
Maybe Im not as happy as I should or could be ,and if not why?
The things around us are changing all the time. Are we consumned it seems with that which is past, and present, thinking somehow in this life, we should be happier than what we are? Are these the signs of the times? Or, are these thoughts the consequences of abiding in Him? Are these the offences that He speaks that will come too those who worship Him?
Are these things of the spirit of God!
So, How do we get to that place? Tell me How!
How do we get to the place where this Holy One will take our place, will become one with us? I hear the prophets and apostles words, I see Jesus walking and healing, and yet I am not filled! Maybe, I am not saved?
How can I know this love that passes all understanding? Must I be touched? Is it true that this corruption must put on incorruption? Why can we not experiance this incorruption now? I hear the voices! I hear the questions, I sence that these wish to see Him , this one called the WORD! Cry out! Cry out, for ourredemption draws nigh.
If you are in this place, than you are in Him! Love one another in all things, for the evil one has come and desires your soul!
At this point; all bets are off. Jesus has to deal with the hearts of Pharisees; with their thoughts; or comments about Him using the Devil's (Beelzebub) power to cast out demons; and to the crowd in general saying that they are an "evil generation" seeking a sign (v. 29); then warning about light being darkness in us (or Satan appearing as an angel of light).
Finally; in verse 38 we see what would be considered (to say the least) bad manners after an invite to a meal. A simple concept of lack of handwashing which seemed trivial ended up in a railing accusation to the hypocrisy within for Pharisees in general. Then; to add insult to injury after He was informed that the lawyers were insulted He went after them!
(I would imagine there was a lot of indigestion there at that time).
The concept of righteous indignation especially among "religious" folks today seems like an ancient artifact. If judgment begins at the house of God; who is sounding the trumpet today?
part 2
But when it comes to righteous indignation (or better, anger) we really need to be careful that we are "majoring in majors and not majoring in minors". I've been in "church" situations where some address the pastor over insignificant matters, causing unneeded strife. Other times, people just brush off or look the other way concerning behaviors that are adverse to the godly way we are to behave and concerning teachings that are outrageously heretical or blasphemous. So, there is a "thin line" often between being truly acting from right motives and sinning when faced with something that we ought to be righteously angry over. But, we live in a culture, especially within the church that values "niceness" over honesty and being very "real". And people tend to be more receptive of flattery than honest, proper correction or even just an honest response.
In our society, sinful behaviors and words are not only to be tolerated, but accepted on equal level with the values of Christ and the belief in the exclusivity of the Christian Gospel over other religious beliefs. I face that in my own family, which is really at the root of the deep divide that exists. I don't know where all of this 'equity of acceptance of all things" will lead our society, but I do not think it will lead people to Jesus, for sure.
With all of this said, Jesus is the one who ultimately deals with the hearts, attitudes, and mindsets of other people. He may use us to bring truth, light, and conviction in others as well as consolation, encouragement, and uplifting of others who are downtrodden in their sins and seek a remedy.
I have met so many Christians who insist that Jesus never got angry or chastised or berated anyone. But He did, without sinning. He was always appropriate in any admonition or rebuke, getting straight to the heart of the matter to those who needed this. Yet He was gentle and compassionate to those who needed a loving, more soft-handed response from Him. He gave every person the words and works they most needed in those moments. We cannot, of course, know the minds and hearts of others like Jesus did and still does. But we can learn to discern what our response to others should be like. We learn to do this with our children in raising and nurturing them. Sometimes they need firmness and an unpleasant consequence, other times, grace, forgiveness, and understanding them in their weakness. Other times, we can give straight out instruction, and other times we let them try and fail at a task, learning to problem solve.
I do think we should never excuse in ourselves bad manners, ill feelings, nor rudeness to others, but in walking with the Spirit we can come to know what is the best and most appropriate things to say and do. For instance, this week I needed to advocate for my siblings in matters concerning how our oldest sister, who is power of attorney and executor of our Mom's estate is not only handling these funds, but in requesting that she disclose bank statements and an accounting of what is paid out, for what, and to whom. I knew that it would not sit well with her or a few other siblings who usually are on her side of the deep divide in our family (decades old), but I knew that I needed to address this sooner rather than later, for her benefit as well as for my other siblings who are all equal heirs. My request stirred up some emotional responses from some, but others were thanking me for addressing this issue. But my conscience is clear, as I meant no harm, nor had any ill intentions in this.
continued in Part 2
not saying door mat but genuine humbleness of mind. Instead a lot of so called Christians have a self righteous attitude
and with unbelievers if you don't believe your going straight to hell. Show me that kind of mind set with Jesus Christ in
the Gospels and I'LL EAT THE BOOK. Now when it came to those in power yes he called it the way it is, but to those who
came to Him with genuine heart to be delivered they got delivered. The way I see it judge not for thou shalt be judged,
and above all walk in love because that's what delivered me. Also consider 2 COR. 4:4 WHO HAS THEM BLINDED the same
god that did the same to me. Bottom line our occupation we plant we water but GOD GIVES THE INCREASE. BELIEVERS
AND I'M SAYING PEOPLE I KNOW tell me how evil the gov. and people in office are well their people and so were we. My
bible says to pray for those in office not ridicule but doctrine. We who choose stand and walk must stay on mark to
not let Gods love in us wax cold Math 24:12 because it was the LOVE OF GOD that delivered us and melted the hardness
in hearts so lets endeavor to keep it soft and as Ephesians 4:32 tenderhearted thats the goal that will deliver oithers if they
choose to believe and continue to make us whole. We already know everything in this world will wax or become worse and
worse so my mind endeavors to think about things above Col.3:1-5 because that's all that really counts.
The first thing that comes to mind, is a need from the Holy One! Only He knows what we need and when! If I know these things, then I should be happy!
Maybe Im not as happy as I should or could be ,and if not why?
The things around us are changing all the time. Are we consumned it seems with that which is past, and present, thinking somehow in this life, we should be happier than what we are? Are these the signs of the times? Or, are these thoughts the consequences of abiding in Him? Are these the offences that He speaks that will come too those who worship Him?
Are these things of the spirit of God!
So, How do we get to that place? Tell me How!
How do we get to the place where this Holy One will take our place, will become one with us? I hear the prophets and apostles words, I see Jesus walking and healing, and yet I am not filled! Maybe, I am not saved?
How can I know this love that passes all understanding? Must I be touched? Is it true that this corruption must put on incorruption? Why can we not experiance this incorruption now? I hear the voices! I hear the questions, I sence that these wish to see Him , this one called the WORD! Cry out! Cry out, for ourredemption draws nigh.
If you are in this place, than you are in Him! Love one another in all things, for the evil one has come and desires your soul!
Watch! I say watch! Repent and be Baptized
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