Many times people offer me things, invitations, treats, etc. which they value as precious; yet I find it sad and second rated.
Of course there are things I value. But that's for me to know and for them to find out. It is interesting, that people we meet often do not share the same heart in the "art" of misunderstanding.
If I were to be like Paul...it seems more convenient. As if I am more prepared. I find myself easily available to direct the given love and grace solely toward the fruits of the Gospel.
If the fruits be of my own kin, then it is a rather different life. One that I am not familiar with.
2Sa 7:15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.
As many could argue and debate, I shall not pursue now this matter further, for even I myself am yet well learned in this matter. But if I were to choose now, I would believe that King Saul was not chosen to enter God's Kingdom. If one wishes to debate with merely unbalanced emotions, I would say: Alright, he might have entered, by do not be surprised if he didn't, as I would not be surprised if he did.
Only those who seek after God's Kingdom to the end shall see God's Kingdom. Saul didn't seem to exhibit such desire even at the end of his life. One may argue, of course, everyone wants God's Kingdom, Eternity; Then, it is up to how we see such desire as it should be in sync with our behaviors, how we treat people that are before us and after us, recognizing ourselves as sinners not deserving anything - as the thief on the cross.
For there are two kinds: 1. Those whom God showed mercy to but a moment, 2. Those who are God's elects.
This can only be a lesson for us to seek after God's mercy and not make God our enemy.
Anyone who denies God, would have to deny the existence of the Israelites.
No one comes before God without first being embarrassed by at least his own conscience before, for we are all sinners.
One preacher said it wisely: The liberals claim themselves to be very open, yet, they are actually very hating towards those who do not agree with their own ideas.
Just allow me to add, Hypocrites.
There's a movie I haven't seen called the Fourth Wise Man, who was looking for Baby Jesus and present him treasures. But never got to Christ while spending his treasures helping the poor and in the end he was commended by the Lord.
I fear that this has a heavy hint that the other wise men should have given their gifts to the poor, or that the reason they give gifts to Jesus is because He was poor.
Nay, one verse could refute this heresy: John 12:8 For the poor always ye have with you; but me ye have not always.
The wise men came to Christ to worship Him, not pitty on Him or His humble living. And those who seek after God's glory, shall see it. The fourth "wise" man is obviously either a very clumsy fellow who can't even follow God's instructions correctly or someone so fictional that it has to be made up by someone who couldn't tell the PRECIOUS MOMENT of Christ's presence on Earth apart from the charity we must ALWAYS DO.
It is only through our solemn reverence in God, that we can fully understand the wisdom behind giving to the poor and charity from God's perspective and not ours.
Moses prayed that his name be blotted out for the sake of God's name
in Exodus 32:32, Paul wished that himself were accursed from Christ for
his brethren in Romans 9:3. These are not the same as the rebellious
attitude in saying:" Oh God, if you don't save him-such nice person,
then Don't save me too--I don't want you like that".
But what was exhibited out of Moses and Paul is pure, holy and God fearing love.
It
is like a parent who's strong on the principle that Christians should
marry Christians. Many would have the first impression that this parent
is very bossy, proud and would imagine that if his child was to marry a non-christian, he would be so angry as to deny
the child. But Nay, for such is sinful because the parent wishes to
save his own face.
On the contrary, the parent would pray with
tears saying:" Oh Lord, I have brought up the child YOU GAVE me in
light of your glory, I have always prayed for his well-being under Your
grace. Therefore, I rather that I be accursed with Christ and my name
blotted out of Thy book, than to have Your Name ceased from this child and his family, even his whole generation!"
One way to tell if one is a good teacher is if one gives his students early recess, the students would be disappointed rather than delighted and thankful.
Why am I not surprised? My first surprise was around my second semester in America and then I regretted at how naive I had been towards the superficial image of America.
