March 18
Num 26:52-28:15 | PS 61:1-8 | Prov 11:16-17 | Luke 3:1-22
The other day I had conversations with two of my secular Jewish patients. When I share my hope in Jesus, I often don't choose who I will be speaking to beforehand, but instead conversations evolve, prayer occurs, and opportunities reveal themselves. The first patient shared many of my views on many events on the worldly front. When I explained to her that despite the chaos and the negative turn our nation has taken that I have no fear as I know that heaven is my eventual destination. I had spoken to her in the past about the gospel message. When she asked me if she likewise would be in heaven, I told her, at the present time the answer would be "No". She was a bit surprised, not angered. I then had the opportunity to explain that it had nothing to do with my "good works", and everything to do with what Jesus did on the cross. I gave her the example of three types of individuals coming to be judged: the unbeliever, the "good person" who trusted in their works, and the believer who realized their own sin and trusted in His Savior. There was much more conversation, but it concluded with my specific encouragement to begin her relationship by embarking on a steady diet of God's Word. The other patient, considerably older than me, had a recent set of heartbreaking events, first in the deterioration and eventual death of her husband, followed by the downward spiral of one of her sons with mental illness. Also, not the first time discussing God with her, not minimizing the magnitude of her situation, I explained that the only way to find "the peace that transcends all understanding" was through a bona fide relationship with God. Once again I specifically taught her how to initiate and formulate a steady diet of Bible reading. We all desire to be liked. Some will state that they don't care, but I don't believe that is true. The question is what is more important to you, to be liked or to be faithful to the commission given to you by Jesus.
John the Baptist was given a commission. We read in Luke 3:3, "And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins," Confronting others with their sinful nature and preaching repentance or a changing of one's mind concerning those sins will not be popular to many. We read his words in 3:7-9, "Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”" As he was approached one by one, he individualized his approach and his instructions. When they tried to glorify him he quickly deflected, but did not back away from the message at hand in 3:15-17, "Now as the people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire.”"
So many opportunities. Each one so distinct. We want to present a loving presentation of Christ to the world, yet truth cannot be manipulated or discounted. How do we navigate these sometimes seemingly contradictory positions. We read in Numbers 27:5, what Moses did, "So Moses brought their case before the Lord.". When confronted day to day, situation to situation, we need to bring it before the Lord. This does not mean a long and lofty prayer. It could be seconds long and quietly, but prayers for direction, the right words, and the right attitude. There are some who like to state "I tell it like it is". Almost the "I don't care if others like me or not, I will just speak out the truth" attitude. When your demeanor is one of anger and every other word out of your mouth is how others are on their way to hell, this is not the way that Jesus did it. When your demeanor is sugary-sweet and any form of confrontation is avoided this is also not the way that Jesus did it. We are commanded to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). The results might not always be what you had hoped for. I'm sure through the years I have lost a few patients who have both disagreed and resented my position in Christ. Just remember in Luke 15, how Jesus was willing to leave the 99 for the sake of the one. I really have no idea how many of my conversations have resulted in an acceptance of Jesus as their Lord and Savior. But even if it was only one it is well worth it.
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: