5 March 2017

My dear readers,

(Extracts from RPG, Jan – Mar 1998, Edited by Dr SH Tow)

1. WHO IS JESUS TO YOU?
LUKE 7:18-30, MATTHEW 11:1-15

By the answer to this question all the world will be judged in the day to come. By the same was the rising and falling of many in Israel. "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not." This is the sad testimony recorded in John’s Gospel, that the Creator and Saviour of promise was despised and rejected in His own country.

John the Baptist in his prison cell needed to have his faith reassured. In Bethabara beyond Jordan he had gladly acknowledged Jesus with these words: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world ... I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him ... and I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God" (John 1:29-34). That was while John was preaching and baptizing by the river Jordon.

But now the wicked king Herod had cast him into prison. While in prison John sent two disciples to Jesus with the question, "Art thou he that should come? or look we for another?" Perhaps in a moment of depression John’s faith was wavering. But more likely it was for the disciples’ sake, that they should be assured by Jesus, who He really was. As a forerunner, John’s mission was still to point men to Christ.

Our Lord’s answer was not with words, but with mighty deeds. "And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight." That was the best answer to lift John’s flagging spirits and to convince John’s disciples that they had indeed seen the promised Messiah, the eternal Son of God. The record of our Lord’s mighty acts should more than convince those who will be persuaded. But you must settle the question yourself: Who is Jesus to you?

CAN YOU SAY: "Jesus is all the world to me, My life, my joy, my all"?

2. HAVE YOU COUNTED THE COST?
LUKE 14:25-35, RUTH 1:16-18

Politicians would give anything to have a popular following; not our Lord Jesus Christ. On the multitudes which wanted to follow him He imposed stringent conditions. These conditions apply equally to us. You should note them carefully if you want to follow Jesus.

"If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." To follow Jesus means to surrender Him our first loyalty and affection. He must come before our dearest, even before our own selves. This is the first condition we must fulfil. You ask, "Is it fair?" It depends. If following Him means to win us this world, then the answer is No! "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable" (1 Cor 15:19). In following Him there’s more – more than all that the world can offer.

Then our Lord says, "And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." The cross is not an easy one. It may be parental objection and hostility, the scorn and ridicule of husband or wife, the cold-shoulder of colleagues and friends. It may even mean the loss of employment or promotion opportunities, or some other financial disadvantage. But our Lord assures those who follow Him, "... ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:30).

Jesus is not interested in numbers or popular following. He is concerned only for the salvation of our souls. Following Him can be painful or joyous, burdensome or light. But it costs to be a true follower. Mere "tagging along" or "jumping on the band wagon" is futile. In time these will serve no purpose, like salt which has lost its savour. Following Jesus means giving up ALL that displeases Him. That is the COST: no more, no less.

QUESTION: Have you counted the cost?

3. GOD SAYS NO
LUKE 12:1-12, PSALM 91

NO SECRETS with God. Before Him we stand exposed, open, naked. "O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me ... thou understandest my thought afar off" (Ps 139:1,2). Today, play-actors, hypocrites, false Christians may deceive others by their outward show. One day, before God all secrets will be revealed. Beware, then, how you walk and talk!

NO FEAR but of God. A great fear of others clouds the minds of men and obscures their way to heaven. "What will my boss say? What will my girlfriend think?" Men can break my rice bowl and even take my life. But only God has power to cast my body and soul into hell – or give me everlasting life. "Therefore fear God! Then you need fear no man."

NO WORRIES in God, whose lovingkindness is over all. Even the sparrows, creatures of little worth, are objects of His care. We are of more value than many sparrows! Our heavenly Father cares for us to the minutest detail, in things big and small, till we arrive Home. Even the hairs on our head are all numbered!

NO SHAME to confess the name of Christ before an unbelieving world. Think of the price He paid, the shame He suffered, the pain He endured to ransom us. And should we not own with greatest pride His matchless name, the name above every name, at which every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord? Own Him – or He will disown you!

NO THOUGHT or anxiety or panic should overtake the Christian when charged before the powers-that-be for his faith. The Apostles, Reformers and Martyrs, faced their accusers in the power of the Holy Spirit. So should we. Only let our faith be stedfast and unmoveable, and the Spirit will enable us to give an answer of the hope that is in us.

THOUGHT: We say NO, very positively!

God bless all readers.

Yours faithfully in the Saviour’s Service,
Dr SH Tow, Sr Pastor