An Open Letter to Ministers

It is not uncommon for theological perspective to form concepts which, by a spirit of religiosity, doctrine, and ceremony, obliterates and perverts the  simple message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, this religious orientation renders the theologian unobservant to the consequences of his actions.

Jesus preached primarily on the subject of The Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.  He preached that He didn’t come to abolish The Law but to fulfill them (Mt 5:17).  He said, this is my commandment: that you love one another…(Jn 15:12).  A comprehensive review of The Parables from all 4 Gospels would serve as a reminder of our purpose in the army of The Lord…a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a Holy Nation…a peculiar people that show forth the Praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His Marvelous Light (I Pe 2:9,10).

There are so many people who appear ungodly and unlovable, many wounded from being rejected by shepherds who failed to discern them as a baby lamb, a lamb that the wolves have attacked, or a lamb that knew not a herd.  They probably dress poorly, speak abruptly, and use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for their pain.  Beware!  A quick review of The Parodical Son should serve as a reminder of The Love of God for the lambs you ignore and reject.

There was a homeless man who set out to find Jesus.  He had met Jesus while in prison and the two of them spent a lot of time together.  When he was released, he couldn’t find Jesus on the streets of the busy city, though he searched both day and night.

One day, he saw a church with a big, bright sign above its door…”COME to JESUS!”  As tears flooded his eyes he rushed in and sat in a back pew.  Oh, he wished he had new clothes, a haircut, new shoes… then suddenly, one of the Pastors approached him and asked him to leave and not to return until he made himself presentable!  As the man left sobbing, his hopes forever dashed, Jesus appeared saying, “Dry your eyes, for I am not welcomed here either!”

My final admonishment is to remember the spiritual laws regarding mercy; and yes, there are spiritual laws which govern the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.  Be merciful and judge not.  Remember, you could even be entertaining angels unaware (He 13:2).

A Jewel In the Book of Luke

While reading the story of Jesus’ birth from the Book of Luke with my grandson, the Lord presented me with a “golden nugget” that I would like to share.  I have been taught to pay close attention to the words that I speak.  I have done studies on the impact that the words of our mouth has on our lives, in respect to related scriptures from the Old and the New Books.  I get the “rudder” on the ship scripture and have spent many an hour contemplating “life and death is in the power of the tongue.”  I take this very seroiusly and am acutely aware of the attention required in bridling the tongue, an art few have mastered.

This is why I am so compelled to revisit Zacharias and Elizabeth in the Book of Luke.  We are told in ch 1 vs 5,6,  that Zacharias was a priest (Tribe of Levi), that Elizabeth was of the daughters of Aaron, and that both were righteous before G-d.  The Word goes on to tell of His temple duties, to which he was attending when the Angel of the Lord appeared to him with the news that his prayers were heard and that he and Elizabeth would bear a son.

Notice Zacharias’ reply!   Verse 18: And Zacharias said unto the angel, Whereby shall I know this? for I am an old man, and my wife well stricken in years.  Finally, I am at the  exciting part!  The keyword here is said! He spoke in line with his unbelief!  His words did not agree with G-d’s words as delivered by Gabriel!

Zacharias was struck dumb and not until the birth of John did he speak again.  You see?  When we fail to agree with the Word of G-d with our mouth and when we speak unbelief, we actually empower Hell!  Had Zacharias not been struck dumb, his words would have impacted the resulting miracle awaiting him; The birth of John the Baptist!

I trust that this will bless you as much as it did me and also that it act as a reminder to guard our words, bringing them into captivity to the Word.

Peace/Shalom