Which Man Will You Receive?
Originally Published: March 16, 2008
“I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:41-44 NIV)
Jesus, of course, is speaking to the “holy” men of the day. The righteous, or shall I say “self-righteous” teachers of Israel. The very ones who loved to pray on the street corners to be noticed and receive praises for their piteousness. Yet, they were the very ones who would deny others entry into the kingdom, heaping upon them a multitude of verbal rules and regulations. Rules and regulations they themselves did not keep, nor could they even begin to keep.
Jesus is healing on the Sabbath. How utterly outrageous!
Let’s see, under the law a man could pull his horse, bull or whatever out of a pit. This would be considered an act of pity, mercy upon the animal. Or, was the law being read in light of the material loss should the animal die and the man lose the animal’s value or worth? How much more should the Lord Jesus heal this tortured human being? How much more was He led by mercy and pity using the very same reasoning this “law” entailed? Of how much more value a soul? Oh, what a warped sense of value, or worth we place on a human soul. Jesus warned us we would worship the creation rather than the Creator. Woe unto us!
Since the “preachers” of that day didn’t like Jesus’ truth, they had Him crucified. Remember what He said?
“one” will come. No connection to the Father, God Almighty. No, this “one” will dare to come in his own name. “him” the people will joyfully receive.
Will “he” heap the praises upon mankind, the kind of justification that they so deeply desire for their dirty deeds? All around us are ”whitewashed tombs”. Outwardly, they are as white as the driven snow. Inside, dark, ugly–black hearted. Still, they want, they need some type of praise. And, ”he will give it to them. Every dark, dirty, hidden, thing they’ve done will be praised as “good”. Okay–acceptable.
It’s here today. I’m okay, you’re okay, too. If you want to be a pervert, if you want to stay high, it you want to fornicate, if you want to adulterate. Okay, by me. That’s just a bunch of laws written by a bunch of old Jewish men. What do God’s laws have to do with the “civilized” and “educated” people of today’s world?
Trouble is, mankind can’t touch God’s wisdom. He fully knows each of them through and through. He knows “him” through and through, too. “his” time is limited. “he” knows it, too. And, believe me, he is angry!
So, why can’t they have all they want and desire now? Simple. You and I are still here. God’s Holy Spirit in us is holding back these dark forces until we are safely removed. If you think things are bad now. Watch out! You haven’t seen anything, yet!
Recently, I heard someone speak on the coming wrath. It is three-fold. It is that awful beast—that, “him”, yes. It is mankind at it’s vilest, yes. But, more than anything it is God’s wrath being poured out upon this earth and all sinners in it. As much as I hate what I know will befall mankind because of his sin, I can’t wait for this day.
Do I want my loved ones hurt? No! A thousands, millions time–no. I grieve in my heart and I pray they will turn, but I know they may not. Before God allows this to come, I pray He will pour down His healing rain, bringing revival to our land. Please, God!
God’s wrath is not, was never intended for you and me! This need not be. You see, Jesus had everyone’s sin nailed with Him on the cross. Everyone’s! Mine! Yours! All we have to do is believe He is God and He is able to do this!
Mankind wants to help out—make themselves good on their own. This started with Cain (Genesis 4:1-8) and mankind will sadly attempt this futile effort until the very end. And, there will be an end. From the time that “one” steps up. From the time “he” offers peace to Israel, 7 years are laid out for God’s wrath. Nothing like it has ever been and nothing like it will ever be again.
Take Jesus up on His offer–now! Accept your dept as paid in full–”It is finished!” (John 19:30) It was, it is–but, you have to believe and take it!
Belief means to put your full weight into and/or onto something. We do it everyday. Every time you sit in a chair–you believe it will hold you, and most often it does! You step into an elevator and expect to be taken to the top, and most of the time–it does!
Jesus is not a “most of the time” God! No, everyone who turns to Him in faith–belief, will not be cast away (John 6:37). No, in that moment you have actually stepped into everlasting life. God’s word says, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!” No “most of the time” in those words, dear one!” John 3:15
Simple? For us, yes. That’s where so many stumble. They stumble on the cornerstone—on the Rock, Jesus Christ. It was anything but simple for Christ—it cost Him death on a cursed cross. Worse, it cost Him a first time ever separation from His Father. His Father who must turn His back on His own Son because His eyes cannot behold sin! Jesus became our sin! He carried your sin, my sin with Him on that cross. Simple? Not for Christ!
We will soon be celebrating Easter, Resurrection Morning! Oh, come to Him and receive your new life–today, while it is still today!
When “he” comes, how shall any stand? Except for Christ Jesus!
Come quickly, Lord, Jesus! Come!
