Thoughts on Mathew 18
The chapter today reminds me of a saying in yoruba….”afa n jona, awon eyan nbere rugbon” (literal translation says the Islamic cleric is burning,the people are asking where is his beard?)
Jesus has been speaking to his disciples about the kingdom and lately in chapter 17, how he will be betrayed, arrested, killed but raised to life on the third day.
As weighty as these matters are, the master’s message seems to be lost to his disciples. Instead, their preoccupation and concern was knowing their status or shall we say their rating in the kingdom- “who will be the greatest?”
Much doesn’t seem to have changed since then, or has it? A lot of us still miss the point completely with what we are concerned about. Christians today are still bothered by such things as the rating of the church you attend,who your pastor is and his followership, the size and aesthetics of your church, ordination matters, succession tussles, etc….
Jesus response to his disciples is as relevant to us today as it was back then. ” become as little children.”
He prescribed a total turn around from their manner of thinking(in which SELF is still dominant) and instead a changed lives which reflects humility, trust and forgiveness, like that of a child. Going on to admonish that we identify those obstacles that hinder our kingdom mindset.
His illustrating this with some parts of the body which play crucial roles is to further make us know that nothing must stand in our way of pursuing the kingdom and its righteousness.These stumbling blocks are the temptations and the besetting sins in our lives( Heb 12:1)
The responsibility to identify their sources and be far removed from them lies on each person. It is your role to pluck them out or cut them off. You are the surgeon here. No one else will perform the operation on you no matter how much they love you or are willing to undertake for you!
A lot of Christians today would not take personal responsibility, rather they find it convenient to continually play the victim and lay the blame of whatever experience they have on someone else. If it’s not the pastorate then it is the congregation.
Brethren, today’s chapter has reminded us that as much as others can bear our burdens, show love to us, or even be willing to take the heat on our behalf, there is a mandate on every disciple of Christ to *DENY SELF, TAKE UP HIS CROSS AND FOLLOW* the master( Mt 16:24)
We must grow in grace that salvation has made available unto us and stand therein. It’s a time to quit whining, murmuring or complaining while wallowing in Kardesh Barnea, the kingdom of God suffers violence and the violent must be ready to take it by force.
Thoughts on Mathew 25
Looking once again at the familiar Parable of the Ten Virgins in verses 1-12 is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the analogies contained in the parable.
Worthy of note is the shocking truth that a good number who bear the name Christian will be lost. The error of the doctrine of “once saved, forever saved” is clearly stated. The Bridegroom outrightly declares to the foolish virgins in verse 12. “I do not know you”
It is also possible that due to idleness or one could say negligence,many of the redeemed shall fail to enter in. The requirement of extra oil was nothing extraordinary that all the the ten couldn’t have met. But failure to give concern and attention to this one thing cost them an exclusion
May we not suffer the fate of the Foolish Five who were once saved,but forever lost. Amen
1. The kingdom of heaven= the Church
2. The Bridegroom= Jesus Christ
3. Midnight Arrival= The second coming of Christ
4. The Virgins= Church members(Born Again Christians)
5. The Wise 5= the Prepared
6. The Foolish 5= the unprepared
7. The lamps= Faith that is shown by Works
8. The Oil= The Spirit or works
9. Tarring of the bridegroom=Delay of Christ’ second coming
10. The Midnight cry= The call to judgement
11. Refusal to give oil= Your merit as a Christian is non- transferable
12. The Shut door= Exclusion/ Rejection of the unprepared
