We Need a Word

Today’s Thought We Need a Word G. Ward

Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from You. “But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah.”
Matthew 12:38-39I’ve been terribly guilty in preparing sermons whereby content promotes more consumption than contrition. In my world (particularly our congregation), those sermons are generally followed by a host of many hearty congratulations. Most are ecstatic that the compelling thesis is pertinent towards those refusing reconciliation unto righteousness. Rarely adopted is a philosophy that demands that all of us are standing in the need of… Moreover, salvation’s portrayal in church life identifies a simple measurement, reasonably attainable through mere confession, without regarding a process of eliminating (entirely) the old man (i.e. his attitude, behaviors and worldly disciplines – cf. Ro.12:2, 2 Co.5:17). I’m reminded of the congregation of the Prophet Ezekiel’s era that were comparably enthralled as some modern day believers; “As for you, son of man, the children of your people are talking about you beside the walls and in the doors of the houses; and they speak to one another, everyone saying to his brother, ‘Please come and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain.  Indeed you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they do not do them.  And when this comes to pass—surely it will come—then they will know that a prophet has been among them” (Eze.33:30-33).
As theologians like me lack an attentiveness that would better lead those listeners to the activity that should accompany faith, we’ll find those congregants malnourished, sipping on impure pseudo water; that inflames the abdominal area with toxins (Hos.4:6). There however is a more prudent response; ingesting proper food (manna from on High- cf. Jn.6:31) and pure drinking water (cf.Jn.4:14) that trusts implicitly in the Provider. Happy Thursday!