Psalm of the Day: Psalm 88:1-9
Wisdom of the Day: Job 10:12-22
Scripture Reading: Luke 7:18-23
We should see the solemn warning which our Lord gave to John's disciples. He knew the danger in which they were. He knew that they were disposed to question His claim to be the Messiah, because of His lowly appearance. They saw no signs of a king about Him - no riches, no royal apparel, no guards, no courtiers, and no crown. They only saw a man — to all appearance as poor as any one of themselves, attended by a few fishermen and publicans.
Our Lord read their hearts, and dismissed them with a searching caution. "Blessed," He said, "is he who does not take offense at Me." The warning is one that is just as needful now as it was when it was delivered. So long as the world stands, Christ and His Gospel will be a stumbling-block to many. To hear that we are all lost and guilty sinners who cannot save ourselves, that we must give up our own righteousness and trust in One who was crucified between two thieves, that we must be content to enter Heaven side by side with wicked sinners and harlots, and to owe all our salvation to free grace is always offensive to the natural man! Our proud hearts do not like it. We are offended.
Let the caution of these verses sink down deeply into our memories. Secret pride is one of the worst enemies of man! It will prove at last to have been the ruin by many. Billions will be found to have had the offer of salvation, but to have rejected it. They did not like the terms. They would not stoop to "enter in at the strait gate." They would not humbly come as sinners to the throne of grace. In a word, they were offended. And then will appear the deep meaning in our Lord's words, "Blessed is he who does not take offense at Me."
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, please help me to be humble and accept your perfect will over my stubborn opinion.
Action Plan: Does Jesus ever offend me? He had no riches, massive properties, or a crown. He calls his followers to be humble and generous. How does this coicide with your life goals?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
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