Millpond Ink Musing – Blessed in The Lord

Jesus said, “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 11:6

Are you offended by the Gospel when you hear the name Jesus reverently spoken in public? Of course, if you heard it as a curse, would it bring a smile or an attitude of indifference? Does it offend you to hear of sin, and hell; that Christ is the only way to avert final and total ruin of your soul?

Do you find it arrogant that Jesus said He is the only way, truth and life? Does it stick in your craw that Jesus spoke as if He was God when you don’t even believe God exists? And if you think God exists, are you offended by the idea that God manifests His love to some but not others; that Jacob He loved but Esau He hated? Do you bristle and turn to hate those who do not agree with your religion, doctrines or theology? When confronted, do you feel an urge to pick up a stone… Do you cry out, “O, if only someone else would too! I would. We would!” Or, thinking better of yourself, would you offer to hold the coat of those who would throw that stone?

You did! We all did! And this blot will remain if we cannot honestly agree there was a time that we shared these thoughts and do not turn to find Jesus alive, as Saul found Him to be on the road to Damascus; once blind but now to see.

Rebellion is endemic in man. Man remains married to a covenant of works; known as the Law of God; until the former bride dies; thus, freeing us to wed again… yes, even the covenant of grace. But there are none that seek Him; no, not one; unless we are met at the well by Christ, and find our water drawn from a pure and glorious fountain. Surely the man is blessed who is washed in grace and finds his peace with God. That man is no longer offended, but he speaks reverently on the street; shares a smile and a testimony to those who ask, “what is it about you?” He then warmly greets any prayer request or hopes to meet any need in accordance with riches that his Lord gave him. Such is a man who is unashamed of the Gospel.