Rhapsody of Realities 29 September
SCRIPTURE: I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (Psalm 119:162).
When Jesus preached, there were those who listened to him and believed, and there were those who were critical and only listened to find fault with Him. The Pharisees sent spies who posed as honest inquirers, hoping to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him in trouble with the Law. They asked Him, “Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:22 MSG).
The question was a trap, but Jesus recognized and understood their unscrupulousness and guile; so, He pointed them to the Roman denarius (a coin) with Caesar’s image on it, and said, “… give Caesar what is his and give God what is his” (Luke 20:25 MSG). They weren’t there to listen to Him, believe and be blessed, no! They wanted to trap Him with His speech, but Jesus is wisdom personified.
Mark 12:13 says, “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.” In Matthew’s account, he wrote, “Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk” (Matthew 22:15). Luke 20:20 says, “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.”
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
Can you see the different reasons for which some of them attended His meetings? Did Jesus know? Emphatically yes! But He didn’t expose them; He let them make up their minds for themselves after listening to His teachings. It’s the same today; how do you receive the Word? Do you receive it with a sincere heart?
The Bible says, “So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls” (James 1:21 AMPC). When you hear the Word of God, take it as it is in truth, with a genuine, truthful, sincere and honest heart. Remember, His Word is His Wisdom. Proverbs 4:5-6 says, “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.”
CONFESSION: Dear Father, your wisdom is functioning in me, and I’m excelling in good judgment, having the right ideas and making the right decisions. I’m propelled by the Word, listening with the right heart to the voice of wisdom. I say and do the right things, at the right time, for the right purpose, for your glory, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
2 Corinthians 4:2 2 We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate orhandle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience.
1 Thessalonians 2:13
13 And we also [especially] thank God continually for this, that when you received the message of God [which you heard] from us, you welcomed it not as the word of [mere] men, but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].
Hebrews 4:12
12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.
James 1:21 AMPC
21 So get rid of all uncleanness and the rampant outgrowth of wickedness, and in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 5:3-21 & Isaiah 27-28
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 2 Timothy 4:1-10 & Jeremiah 47
Thank you for studying today’s Rhapsody of Realities – Receive the Word With – written by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome.
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Rhapsody of Realities 29 September 2022
