“THESE ENEMIES … WHO DID NOT WANT ME” Thoughts from today’s Bible readings – Sept 26th
Our chapter in Ezekiel continues the saddening denunciation of the people that Ezekiel was commissioned to convey – as “the word of the LORD came to me” [22 v.1] But, as in our the world today, the people were not taking any notice. The LORD complains, “They have made no distinction between the holy and the common … I am profaned among them.”
[v.26]
It is exactly the same today, nothing is holy.
In our chapter 19 in Luke we first have the account of Zacchaeus who “received him (Jesus) joyfully”
[v.6]
Let us all “receive (Jesus) joyfully” into our hearts and minds, and, as a result, we will be increasing strengthened to cope with this godless world.
Jesus teaches a fundamental but vital lesson with his parable of the ten minas. Each of his servants was to receive the same amount. But what did these minas represent? We suggest they mean – the wonder of the knowledge of the gospel – the good news – to transform their thinking – and as a result – their actions – for it is actions that were to show their (and will show our) priorities in life.
Those who made good use of their minas, were given positions of authority in the nobleman’s kingdom when he returned (v.16-19). But the one who failed to make use of his mina, well, said Jesus, “even what he has will be taken away.”
[v.26]
But there is another class of people – those who were “enemies” and showed this by despising the nobleman! Verse 27 has a very sobering message for us! What is to happen to those whose way of life leads them, like so many today, to ignore Jesus? The parable shows he counts them as his enemies.
Jesus concludes his parable by saying, “But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.” We are in awe of the scriptures which describe this slaughter in some detail! There are many such scriptures; let’s look at one that is less familiar to us! “The LORD is slow to anger and great in power …. The LORD is a jealous and avenging God; the LORD is avenging and wrathful; the LORD takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies.” [Nahum 1 v.3,2]
But, as for you and I – the question, cannot be avoided! Are we making good use of our minas? A final thought – a question! Have we developed “the full assurance of faith” to endure through the time when “the LORD takes vengeance.”?