July 3 A Correction

Luke 19:11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once.
 
NOW remember. Jesus is going to Jerusalem. In fact, Jericho is very close to Bethany, from where Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. But before he goes to his appointed destiny, Jesus once more teaches his people regarding God’s eternal kingdom.
    You see, the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. They believed it was time for revolution. The Jews crowding around Jesus were not interested in starting a church. They hungered to see their Messiah start a new government. Their expectations were immediate. Jesus had demonstrated power over death. He could put the religious establishment in their place. No Roman law could outwit this rabbi from Nazareth. He had proven his wisdom and worth. The kingdom of God was about to come to earth.
    But the kingdom would come much differently than the Jews believed. This error is a large chasm between God and his people. The Jews’ lack of understanding the kingdom of God will keep the Jews from seeing their King then, and it keeps the Jews from their king today.
    This is why you must diligently pursue the Bible’s truth. God’s Word is the only authority that defines God. As the courts of law require a witness to speak “the whole truth and nothing but the truth” we must know God’s court of justice requires we know the entire truth.
    Our world is full of people who attempt to form God into less than he is. People will take a word, or phrase or verse from the Bible to prove a point. But they do not look at the entire point. For example, let’s look at John 3:17-18 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
    Verse 17 sounds wonderful – and it is! But many have distorted this to prove that Jesus saves everyone. But verse 18 gives us the entire truth: Condemnation comes to those who reject Jesus. Salvation comes to those who believe.
    The Jews rejected the full truth of God, even though he personally came from heaven to personally demonstrate and speak kingdom truth. Diligently seek the full knowledge of the kingdom of God. What you know will make an eternal difference.
 
Prayer: Lord, reveal to me the ways I misunderstand you. Give me wisdom and humility to be willing to learn. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.