Offenses

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

I was in deep conversation the other day with a good Christian friend. We do not see each other as much as we used to but for me, who is not a phone person, I love talking with her. We always end up talking about the Lord. And don't you know, we are always so refreshed and encouraged. And before you know it, we are worshiping God and praying for each other right then and there.

It's easy and so satisfying to be able to do that with people of like mind. I can't imagine how wonderful a day would be if every conversation ended up like this.

Today, however, it is a offense to many to even bring up the name of Jesus. I don't quite understand why. Maybe it's a feeling of insecurity or guilt. They know who Jesus is and think that's enough not wanting to take the time to know Him intimately. Why? Is it fear? Is it thinking they are not worthy of Him? Is it arrogance thinking they are worthy and He loves all people so....  No one is worthy. That's the bottom line. That's why we need Him.

There is no one religion that is better than another. It's about a relationship with one Person, Jesus Christ. That's the bottom line.

What is it that causes one to become offended at the name of Jesus? What goes through a person's mind at the moment they are confronted with even just a hint of someone who is serious about Him? It's like a cat...I swear this is how they think. Here's the scenario: They've been naughty and after being scolded they run under the bed to hide. To them it's just a game. Only half of their body is hidden, however, and their tail or hind quarters is still sticking out. I swear they think in their little minds, "Well, I can't see her, so she can't see me."

What I'm getting at is if we avoid talking about Jesus just maybe He doesn't see us or our sin. If we don't talk about Him or bring Him up we don't have to face it. It doesn't exist...just like the cat who thinks he/she's hidden because they can't see me.

So I know what I am to do. And it should always be in the love of Christ. He loved all people, even those who offended Him. He loved all so much He died for each of us...not that we should just give Him a wink and say, "Good job, Jesus. Glad You did that for me" and then go on living as if we owe Him nothing at all.

Oh, people, we do need to do something. We need to embrace what He has done. I despise that new age word but it's what He wants...for us to embrace Him and follow Him...and not be offended by Him or offend Him. We're not to embrace diversity of religions, as the world believes, we're to embrace one Man, Jesus Christ.

After all that...offense is the greatest fear I have! I admit my sin. Hopefully admitting it will cause me to do something about it. As much as I know that talking about Jesus to unbelievers is what we are to do, it is difficult for me to just open my mouth and speak. On the other hand, aren't we then offending Jesus if we do not?

There's no hiding from Him. So why not discuss the One who died to save us? Like with certain of my friends, it is so refreshing and joyful talking about the Lord. Oh, we ponder His judgments, His commands to us, and we counter it with the love He brings, the blessings when we do what is right in His eyes.

I know we are all equipped upon conversion to open and our mouths and speak of the greatness of our God, of what He has done and what He continues to do in our lives. We all, upon this conversion, want so much to share this knowledge. I did it; so have others. And when we hit blank looks or no response, in time we realize it's not something most people want to discuss...and the talking stops. What's so offensive about a life truly being saved? We are, sadly, an offense to the Lord when we do not open those mouths...of this I repent.

I read this the other morning: "We have the idea that prosperity, or happiness, or morality, is the end of man's existence; according to the Bible, it is something other, namely, 'to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.' When a man is right with God, God puts His honor in that man's keeping." Am I glorifying God by not talking about Him openly? Like I said above, there is a joy in speaking of Him...but it should go beyond preaching to the choir!

Lord, forgive me for not opening my mouth to speak. There is no one greater than You. Yes, You were an offense in Your day...even to Your own family...yes, You are the Word that causes offense, the Word that pierces our hearts and souls showing us what sinful people we are. Yes, You will judge all mankind on how they lived their lives either with or apart from You...WITH and apart. You will judge mouths that would not speak the truth when it was known. Lord, let the power of Your Spirit fall upon me that I might speak in the fullness of You about the fullness of You.

Matthew 11:6 - And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.