Hebraic
Musing – How is the Gospel of Jesus Counter to Our World’s Culture?
Maybe the Gospel
is also in opposition to our own nature!?!?
Last week we touched on the differing cultural lifestyles in the world
in which the Good Lord operates. What
culture or lifestyle is our own nature? What
does Jesus and His Word say about the opposing forces of our human nature that we
deal with daily?
Innocence vs.
Guilt
seems to be the Greek or our American Western culture. We are like pharisees and claim our innocence
but Jesus had this to say – “If you were blind,
you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your
guilt remains.” John 9:41 NIV And, “When he
comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness
and judgment.” John 16:8
Fear vs. Power is another set of
opposing forces we see in mankind. Our
human nature is often fearful but seeking power, but the Bible calls us to
“Fear the Lord” 36 times! “For God
has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and
of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Independence vs.
Dependence
is an issue stated in our “Declaration of Independence”; but Paul tells
us we are to be dependent. “It
does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's
mercy.” Romans 9:16 And “Cursed
is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his
strength.” Jeremiah 17:5
Leader vs. Follower roles are
choices. Most “everyone wants to be a
leader!” But what does Mark 8:34-35 say? “Whoever
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross,
and follow Me.”
And Luke 14:11, “For whoever exalts
himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Live vs. Die seems to be an
obvious choice for us, but which is important according to the Bible? Let’s continue reading Mark 8:35, “For whoever desires to save his life will lose it,
but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it.” And here’s Paul’s perspective on how to live.
“For if we live, we live
to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore,
whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.” Rom.14:8
Greatest vs. Least stirs our
competitive human nature! But what did
Jesus say to his disciples who were competing for recognition? “If anyone
desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of
all.” Mark 9:35
Mature “wisdom” vs.
Child-like innocence/openness was dealt with when Jesus chastised the
disciples who were pushing children away.
“Let the little children come to Me, ... Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive
the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” Mark 10:13-15
And, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent
and revealed them to babes.” Luke 10:21
First vs. Last is another manifestation
of our competitive human spirit. We
strive to accumulate riches here on earth, but Jesus warns us, “But many who are first will be last, and the last
first.” Mark 10:31
Great vs. Servant is also a part of
our human spirit. Our society degrades
serving and servants and servers in restaurants! Our nature wants to be served. “Yet it shall
not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall
be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave
of all. For even the Son of Man did
not come to be served, but to serve, and to give
His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-46
Light vs Dark “Is a lamp
brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on a lampstand?
For there is nothing hidden which
will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that
it should come to light.” Mark 4:21-22 Does Jesus want us to be a light
to the world and let the “Truth” be known?
SUMMARY – “What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's
sight.” Luke 16:15b
Points
to ponder
How often do we hide our faith?
What is unique about child-like
faith?
In how many ways might we be called to give our lives for others?
How do we learn to choose to be like Jesus, instead of choosing to
follow our own nature?
W.W.J.D. (What would Jesus do?)
Yosef a.k.a.
Joe Brusherd October
4, 2022
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages
exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage” Weekly
“Hebraic Musings” InsightsByYosef.blogspot.com
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