Why do people reject God and deny the work of The Spirit? One answer is found in the parable of the three servants in Matthew 24:14-30.

The key passage for this observation is:

“Then the one who received two thousand dollars came and said, ‘Sir, I knew that you are a hard person to please. You harvest where you haven’t planted and gather where you haven’t scattered any seeds. I was afraid. So I hid your two thousand dollars in the ground. Here’s your money!‘” (Matthew 25:24-25 God’s Word©).

The useless servant (verse 30) was afraid and accused the Boss of taking credit for, and hoarding, all the benefit of the work “done by others”.

But wait just a minute!

The Boss gave the servants all the money (all the resources) for the venture. The servants had no personal finances to invest in the enterprise. The servants simply had opportunity to multiply the estate of the Boss (of which they were a part!).

The Boss praised the work of the two servants who did that and rewarded them handsomely (verses 21 and 23). The useless servant slandered the Boss (verses 24-25).

People want the credit and praise for what God does! And if they can’t get the honour and authority they seek, then they will not only do nothing for, but will even become enemy of, the Boss, even though Jesus paid the entire cost to deliver every human from selfish egotism, replacing that with a profound respect for The Creator and everyone created.

In other words, no rigorous activity, no intellectual achievement, no religious ceremony, no adventurous quest, nor membership in any group, race, gender, political party or system can add anything to what Jesus paid on the cross. A response of, “I accept”, to what Jesus Christ did opens the door to an eternity of revelling in all the goodness in the universe. Solitary satisfaction becomes living for the benefit of the whole human race, which brings unity and community rather than division and derision.

Those who cling tenaciously to their superiority over others will only know the eternal loneliness of having nothing more than self.

So, are you multiplying grace (God’s gifts and resources) with an eye to eternity, or are you mired in fear that your ego will not get what it craves (to the detriment of others) in this life?

Something I heard on the radio made me think. Jesus had the power to stop the crucifixion.

When I was dragged before the kangaroo court and bombarded with racist accusations (covered in Canadian “politeness”) I had no power to stop the process which ended my career in ministry.

Jesus, however, had the power to stop the unjust process which led to Mount Calvary.

Jesus loved so much that the pain, torture, lies, bigotry, religious zeal, humiliation and conspiracy became nothing in comparison to what the willing sacrifice for completely unworthy humans would achieve – the rescue and salvation of the murderers!

Jesus had the power to give up on us. God, however, set aside power in favour of love, deep compassionate kindness.

I have been thinking on this, how the people who name Jesus on their lips exercise power over others, making decisions that harm them, using religious regulations and procedures which are devoid of Scripture. After all, for organized religion the Bible is incomplete and religion has to add to make it “complete”, which really means the justification to use power instead of love. Godly love is not good enough when acting religiously.

The Bible is set aside for any reason, especially when the Bible says: “an expert in Moses’ Teachings, tested Jesus by asking, “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in Moses’ Teachings?”
Jesus answered him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ All of Moses’ Teachings and the Prophets depend on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:35-40 God’s Word©).

Jesus also stated: “I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other” (John 13:34-35 God’s Word©).

Your religion does not prove your faith in God. Court procedures do not show obedience to Jesus. Degrading believers, even if you do it calmly (perhaps even with a smile), is not evidence of submission to Paraclete.

Empathy, love, deep compassionate kindness, passion for true justice even when it is inconvenient is the identifying mark of a disciple of Jesus.

And when you meet those who do not, or will not, act according to the command of Jesus, then, as Jesus did, love them, even when they have no love.

“But I tell you this: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44 God’s Word©).

After we moved to the town we now live in God told me that the town was scheduled for a revival. A little later God told me which congregation would be the centre of it. Still later I preached there for some months while they went through the process to find a new minister. Read more…

I don’t blog about politics. This may look like I am, but read to the end. It’s more important than mere government. Read more…