OBVIOUS OBSCURITIES
What
God Sees And What It Means
Matthew
8:5-10
One of the most interesting and challenging
studies associated with Jesus’ ministry is what I will call “Obvious
Obscurities.” I mean by this, things Jesus saw as being quite obvious that
others did not see at all. There are rich lessons found in such things to
sharpen our spiritual perceptions. When we have a “healthy eye” in the world of
spiritual values we are full of light; but if we have a “bad eye” for such, we dwell
in a darkness that is great indeed (Matt. 6:22-23; cf. II Cor. 5:7)!
A Centurion Who Understood Authority—Matthew
8:5-10.
1.
Reverence evidenced in addressing Jesus as “lord”
or “sir” (v.6).
2.
Humility seen in stating his unworthiness to have
Jesus come to his house (v.8).
3.
Concern
for another
(v.6).
4.
Faith as the ever-needed quality (v. 10; cf.
Heb. 11:6).
An Afflicted Woman Who
Appreciated Power—Mark 5:25-34.
1.
Humility
present in her
attitude of “if I just…” (v. 28).
2.
Reverence seen in her “fear and trembling” (v.
33).
3.
An uneasiness over a purely personal
concern (vv. 25-28).
4.
Faith, the key to here actions (v.34).
A Canaanite Woman Who Refused
The Way Of Selfish Pride—Matthew 15:21-28.
1.
Reverence voiced in her address of Jesus as “Lord,
Son of David,” and as she bowed before the Lord (vv. 22, 25).
2.
A deep humility that defeated pride as she refused
to be insulted by lesser, merely selfish concerns (vv. 23-26).
3.
Concern
for another
(v. 22).
4.
A great faith (v.28)!
A Widow Who Gave All
That She Had—Mark 12:41-44.
1.
Reverence for God’s concern for others (v. 42).
2.
Humility in her quiet offering (vv. 41-42; cf.
Matt. 6:2-4).
3.
Concern
for others
(v. 42).
4.
A faith that trusted that God would provide
(v. 443-44).
Self-importance, Self-assertion, Pride, and
Selfishness were replaced by: respectful Submission, self-effacing Humility,
pride-defeating Concern for others, and an amazing Selflessness—all made
possible through Faith. In a world that seeks to redefine religion into a very
visible, self-serving showtime production, we would do well to remember what
gets the Lord’s attention. The “Obvious Obscurities” of:
Reverence, Humility, Concern For Others, and Selflessness—all
driven by Faith,
are the values whose quiet work Jesus will praise.
ESJ
4/2/00
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