Gems for the Week
October 20
"Return to thine own house, and SHOW how great things God hath done unto thee . . ." (Luke 8:39)
"Go home to thy friends, and TELL them how great things the Lord hath done for thee . . ." (Mark 5:19)
In traveling a few years ago," says a Christian gentleman, "I stopped at a hotel where the apartments were of the finest, and where the service was the best I had ever known. The proprietor has a chain of hotels, and is considered the most successful man in the business. Behind the desk of each employee, but hidden from the public view, hangs a little sign with these words: "MY REPUTATION IS IN YOUR HANDS."
For all who name the name of Christ there is a great lesson there. We are his representatives and witnesses; and in the Gospels, there are two words which indicate how we may discharge our responsibilities as such. These words are found in the two accounts set out in the verses above.
- "Go home and SHOW" - that is the testimony of the life-what we are.
- "Go home and TELL" - that is the testimony of the lip - what we say.
(George Henderson - In Pastures Green)
N.J. Hiebert # 3498
October 21
"Many therefore of His disciples, when they heard this, said, this is an hard saying; who can hear it?" (John 6:60)
In the world of men we find nothing approaching the virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the famous Sermon on the Mount.
- Instead of poverty of spirit we find the rankest kind of pride;
- Instead of meekness, arrogance,
- Instead of mourners we find pleasure seekers;
- Instead of hunger after righteousness we hear men saying, "I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing";
- Instead of mercy we find cruelty;
- Instead of purity of heart, corrupt imaginings;
- Instead of peacemakers we find men quarrelsome and resentful;
- Instead of rejoicing in mistreatment we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command!
Into a world like this the sound of Jesus' words comes wonderful and strange, a visitation from above. It is well that He spoke, for no one else could have done it as well; and it is good that we listen, for His words are the essence of truth.
Jesus does not offer an opinion for He never uttered opinions. He never guessed; He knew, and He knows! His words are not as King Solomon's were, the sum of sound wisdom or the results of keen observation. He spoke out of the fullness of His Godhead, and His words are very Truth itself. He is the only one who could say "blessed" with complete authority for He is the Blessed One come from heaven above to confer blessedness upon mankind!
Best of all, His words were supported by deeds mightier than any performed on this earth by another man.
It is wisdom for us to listen. (A.W. Tozer - Renewed Day By Day)
N.J. Hiebert # 3499
