June 6 Hard Truth

Luke 17:1-2 Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. 2 It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin.”
 
JESUS is preaching some fearful words, isn’t he? He has just finished describing Hell’s horrors. Now he strikes more fear into our hearts as he wants us to ask ourselves, “Do I cause people to sin? Have I? Will he forgive me?”
    This type of response is an appropriate fear of the Lord. We must know his justice to embrace his promises. Each time God’s Word confronts us, our first response must be to consider, “How will I live into these words?” Constantly we must assess, “Is there anything I say or do that causes others, especially ‘little ones’ to sin?”
    Sometimes we do so without thinking. Could it be your anger aroused a child to hateful emotions, too? Maybe your judgmental attitude formed your children to the same mindset. Perhaps your negligence to teach your children God’s Word has kept them from knowing the gospel – have you told the gospel to your children? Whatever you discover, Jesus dramatically delivers the message that God’s judgement is severe in this matter. Confess your errors, and stop them. Change your ways to show Jesus’ ways to your family. (Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God’s call to faithful family leadership.)
    Each time we read the Bible we must stop to consider the words the Lord has given to us. Bible reading times must be learning times. Pay attention to what the Lord says. In what context were these words written? How do we respond to them?
    Jesus taught and preached to change mankind’s hearts and minds with the favor of God’s truth. Often, he spoke the hard truth into our hard hearts, so we would know to repent and be renewed. Rejoice that the Lord has so loved you. Worship him to walk away from sin and into Jesus’ salvation. Help others to do the same.
 
Prayer: Open my mind, Holy Spirit, to the Bible’s truths. Give me wisdom to examine my life, so I will show others who you are. Amen.