Unsettling

Today’s Thought Unsettling G. Ward

“But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter 3:15

Recent news headlines read; By Laurie Goodstein

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A historian of early Christianity at Harvard Divinity School has identified a scrap of papyrus that she says was written in Coptic in the fourth century and contains a phrase never seen in any piece of scripture: "Jesus said to them, 'My wife …'"

The faded papyrus fragment is smaller than a business card, with eight lines on one side, in black ink legible under a magnifying glass. Just below the line about Jesus having a wife, the papyrus includes a second provocative clause that purportedly says, “she will be able to be my disciple.”

Historically, so many have sought to destroy the greatest sacrifice given man (Jesus Christ). The perplexity (many of us share) in tampering with a perfect account seemingly is irrefutable. It however substantiates how a matchless grace and marvelous mercy stands overwhelmingly incomprehensible (“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” Ro.11:33).

The implication of these recent findings (although seemingly innocent) would delineate our Savior as an ordinary man who would (contrary to what scripture reveals) succumb to temptation, but we know what scripture says; “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb.4:15).

Furthermore, as believers be sure to maintain great dignity as many will oppose you on this. Holy God said it would happen (“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.” 1 Ti.4:1-2).

I’m inclined towards the gospel as the panacea for man’s uncertainty. The very reason the philosophical giants and bad theologians seek re-inventing the wheel, is because believers nearby failed to share TRUTH (cf.Jn.14:6). One common bond we all share; every man across cultural, racial, socio-economic status and educational prowess, need Jesus! Go and get them, quickly! Happy Thursday!