Hebrews 5 - Infant Christians

Hebrews 5 NIV
Years ago, there was a young man whom I had been teaching about Christ. We had seen each other almost every day for close to a year. I was going to be leaving and would probably never see him again so I attempted to explain to him about the peace and joy that comes with the indwelling Spirit of Christ. I could see a dazed look in his eyes. He finally said, "I just don't understand." I realized that he was still too new to Christianity to get it, yet. He was still an infant. He had much to learn. I smiled and told him that I understood that it was hard to grasp; but, that I was teaching him all this so that in years to come, when I wouldn't be around, he might remember my words and understand.

The author of Hebrews begins to explain the significance of Jesus being called as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek, offering up prayers and a sacrifice for the people. The author understands that readers will not understand. They are still infants to Christianity. While, by this time they should be teaching, they still have much to learn. The problem the author sees is that they do not really want to learn. They no longer try to understand.

There are things that are beyond our comprehension. But, that should not stop us from trying to understand. It should not stop us from listening. It should not stop us from studying God's Word. I sometimes hear the excuse that someone does not attend community worship because they just don't understand scripture. They don't understand the lessons read or what the pastor's sermon is about. That is not a reason to stay away. If you don't understand, that is all the more reason to hear it. To know Christ and him crucified; to grow in Christ one must be fed with the Word.

See you at Worship where you can hear the word and grow in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 21:14-45 - Faithful and Fruitful

“Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him.
“Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,

“‘From the lips of children and infants
    you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” (Matt 21:16 NIV)

Today we have parables relating to the destruction of those things which are not fruitful and do not glorify God. Jesus curses the fig tree that was not produce so that he could eat of it fruit. It died. The parable of the two son reminds us that it not the one who promises, but doesn't act; but the one who is faithful and fruitful who will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The parable of the tenants reminds us that we are but tenants on God's land. All that we have belongs to Him. How then or why is it that we often give more to our leisure time, personal indulgences and pleasure, than to the work of His Kingdom?

God sent His own Son to us and yet, we killed him. Do we suppose we would not do the same thing today, if he were here insinuating that we are not doing His Father's will? Well, his word is here. It has not changed. He is here. What is he saying to us in his word today? Has that word been rejected?

Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures:

'The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
the Lord has done this,
    and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

 “Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. Anyone who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”  (Matt 21:42-44)

May all God's children give thanks and praise for the marvelous works of God. Produce fruit and give to God what is God's. (see next chapter - Matt 22:21)

God's Peace - Pr. J