Calendar

THE HEALING OF ONE DEAF AND DUMB
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12
Matthew 12:22-37

Luke 11:14-23

 

Our Lord who

created can heal.

 

THE HEALING OF ONE DEAF AND DUMB
 
Neutrality in religion is impossible (Matt 12:30). There are many persons who endeavour to steer a middle course in religion. They are not as bad as many sinners, but they are not saints. They feel the truth of Christ’s gospel when it is brought before them, but are afraid to confess what they feel. Because they have these feelings, they flatter themselves that they are not as bad as others. And yet they shrink from the standard of faith and practice which the Lord Jesus sets up. They are not boldly on Christ’s side and yet they are not openly against Him. Our Lord warns all such that they are in a dangerous position. There are only two parties in religious matters, two camps, two sides. Are we with Christ and working in His cause? If not, we are against Him. Are we doing good in the world? If not, we are doing harm. There can be no peace until we are thoroughgoing and decided in our Christianity.
 
How exceedingly sinful are sins against knowledge! This is the practical conclusion that seems to flow naturally from our Lord’s words about the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Difficult as these words are, they seem fairly to prove that there are degrees in sin. The brighter the light, the greater the guilt of him who rejects it. The clearer a man’s knowledge of the nature of the gospel, the greater his sin if he wilfully refuses to repent and believe. The doctrine taught here is in other Scriptures too (Heb 6:4- 7; 10:26-27). The unconverted children of godly parents, the unconverted members of evangelical congregations are the hardest people on earth to impress. They seem past feeling. The same fire which melts the wax hardens the clay. In a Pharaoh, a Saul, an Ahab and a Judas Iscariot there was a combination of clear knowledge and deliberate rejection of Christ. There was light in the head and hatred of truth in the heart.
 
May God give us a will to use our knowledge, whether it be little or great! May we beware of neglecting our opportunities! Let us live up to the light we have and walk in the truth we know.
 
THOUGHT: Men ever seek to create a third group within humanity, but the Scripture only ever recognises two. In which am I?

PRAYER: Father, may I clearly stand on Thy side.

Search