It's been a small millennia since I last wrote an entry here, so I'm mainly posting for my own benefit. In my reading this morning, Jesus was having a dialogue with people who believed they were very spiritual with a rich, Godly heritage. They believed in the One True God and doubtless, they adhered to the religous ordinances established by Him and according to the scriptures. In a sense, I'm with them."If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples...but you seek to kill me because my word has no place in you." John 8:31b,37b
They had murder in their hearts. A desire to do Him harm. There was anger building within them that they would not acknowledge. They ignored His truthful diagnosis and focused on arguments to protect their reputation. Their defensiveness surfaced in their words. "How dare you accuse us...?!" Jesus spoke to them about their spiritual condition - they barricaded themselves behind their outward form of religion and history.
This came close enough to me that I had to stop a little while and muse. I'm well aware that Jesus said if we have hatred in our hearts, it's the same as murder. I don't have hatred, but I have fought bitterness and anger against others recently. Like a poison ivy seed planted in my heart, it will spread, infect and wrap itself around what God desires to be His throne with love growing instead.
I could actually take that one verse..."but you seek to (whatever sin I'm struggling against) , because My word has found no place in you." There's the weed killer. The accurate diagnosis for any of our sins. His word does not find a resting place in our hearts. Heb. 4:2b "the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it." So many Bible studies, so many sermons, so much fellowship, and still...the petty things I allow and make excuses for in my life. God's grace amazes me. Jesus continued to tell them the true issue in their heart and there was time for them to repent and make it right. We don't know who turned and softened versus those that continued in their pride and self-deception, but we will some day.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
James 1:22
Time for some gardening...
