Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
Have you ever thought you knew something that you really didn’t? You were so absolutely sure you were right that no one could persuade you differently! Sometimes we are this way because we just misheard or misunderstood something. I did that one time regarding a movie that was to be on TV. I was positive I was right about the title, but when the movie came on I found out I was wrong. Other times, though, we think we are right just because we think we are right. It is at these times our pride will not let us accept correction to our thinking.
This is what the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were doing. Not only them, but a lot of other people also. How many times did they see Jesus do miracles in healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and even changing water into wine? They also saw His disciples do most of the same. In fact, at the time Jesus spoke the words of our verse, they had just come back from going to the various cities Jesus would soon go, and did miracles in them, preaching that the kingdom of heaven was near. Yet many, or most, of the rulers and people did not believe. Jesus did not represent what they thought the Messiah would be like. They also had no desire to repent of their sins. Therefore, they rejected Him. Their pride and pleasure got in the way of their seeing Jesus for who He really is--the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, the One whom the prophesies proclaimed would come. These rejectors of Jesus were wise in their own eyes. They thought they knew all things. But they didn’t. Their hearts were not humble and teachable. Their pride deceived them and they did not know the Messiah even when they looked Him straight in His eyes.
In contrast, others were babes in their own eyes. They didn’t think they knew all things and had not formulated unchangeable visions of what the Coming One would be like. They were simple, honest and teachable. They were prone to see and believe the truth when they encountered it. Self ambition and guile did not blind them. They saw Christ for who He is and believed on Him to the saving of their souls. They were as the little children, and to such belongs the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3; 19:14).
To which group do you belong--the wise and prudent, or babes? Are you wise in your own eyes, or are you honest and willing to accept that which is not according to your preconceived notions, and submit to it? Have you seen yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior, as the Bible clearly teaches, or do you make excuses for yourself and continue going your own way? Have you believed on Christ for forgiveness of sin, or are you trying to get to God by your own merit? Those of us who have truly come to Christ, do we determine our own ways or do we turn to God and His word for our guidance, and do it? Do we humbly confess our weaknesses and sins and try to do better, or do we pretend all is OK? Are we wise and prudent, or are we babes?
Have you ever thought you knew something that you really didn’t? You were so absolutely sure you were right that no one could persuade you differently! Sometimes we are this way because we just misheard or misunderstood something. I did that one time regarding a movie that was to be on TV. I was positive I was right about the title, but when the movie came on I found out I was wrong. Other times, though, we think we are right just because we think we are right. It is at these times our pride will not let us accept correction to our thinking.
This is what the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were doing. Not only them, but a lot of other people also. How many times did they see Jesus do miracles in healing the sick, raising the dead, casting out demons, and even changing water into wine? They also saw His disciples do most of the same. In fact, at the time Jesus spoke the words of our verse, they had just come back from going to the various cities Jesus would soon go, and did miracles in them, preaching that the kingdom of heaven was near. Yet many, or most, of the rulers and people did not believe. Jesus did not represent what they thought the Messiah would be like. They also had no desire to repent of their sins. Therefore, they rejected Him. Their pride and pleasure got in the way of their seeing Jesus for who He really is--the Lamb of God, the Savior of the world, the One whom the prophesies proclaimed would come. These rejectors of Jesus were wise in their own eyes. They thought they knew all things. But they didn’t. Their hearts were not humble and teachable. Their pride deceived them and they did not know the Messiah even when they looked Him straight in His eyes.
In contrast, others were babes in their own eyes. They didn’t think they knew all things and had not formulated unchangeable visions of what the Coming One would be like. They were simple, honest and teachable. They were prone to see and believe the truth when they encountered it. Self ambition and guile did not blind them. They saw Christ for who He is and believed on Him to the saving of their souls. They were as the little children, and to such belongs the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3; 19:14).
To which group do you belong--the wise and prudent, or babes? Are you wise in your own eyes, or are you honest and willing to accept that which is not according to your preconceived notions, and submit to it? Have you seen yourself as a sinner in need of a Savior, as the Bible clearly teaches, or do you make excuses for yourself and continue going your own way? Have you believed on Christ for forgiveness of sin, or are you trying to get to God by your own merit? Those of us who have truly come to Christ, do we determine our own ways or do we turn to God and His word for our guidance, and do it? Do we humbly confess our weaknesses and sins and try to do better, or do we pretend all is OK? Are we wise and prudent, or are we babes?
No comments:
Post a Comment