Both of these scriptural examples are taken from the Old Testament in the Bible -- when men and women lived under the Law. Still, throughout the old covenant, their faith in the Lord God Almighty is evident. They understood that everything that existed in the universe came about as a consequence of a Father who loved them. In the beginning God. (Genesis 1:1)
But what we often miss in discerning the scriptures is that now we live under the dispensation of grace. A dispensation whereby we can fully experience the grace and mercy of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ -- who loved us so much that He would become as one of us and shed His precious blood on the cross. The precious blood of Jesus shed to cover our sins and transgressions.
Jesus -- the only name whereby we can be saved. His name above every other name. God manifest in the flesh (I Timothy 3:16) For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Collosions 2:9) The Alpha and Omega -- the beginning and the end. (Revelation 1:8)
Even so, we are subtly reminded in Matthew 11:6 that there are those who do not accept Jesus to be the Christ -- the prophesied Saviour who came to save the people from their sins. Some were even offended by Jesus. So much so, that Jesus even stated, "Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me."
Bible commentator Gill elaborates on Matthew 11:6. He writes that it was not only the Jews that were "offended at Christ's parentage and birth, at the poverty of His parents, and at the manner of His birth, by a virgin; and at the place of His birth, which they thought to be Galilee; at His education, because He had not learnt letters, and was brought up to a mechanical employment; at His mean appearance in His public ministry, in His own person, and in His attendants: His company and audience being the poorer sort, the more ignorant, and who had been loose and scandalous persons, publicans and sinners; at the doctrines He preached, particularly, with respect to eternity, the distinguished grace of God, and living by faith upon His flesh and blood" but that there were others too.
"The disciples of John also were offended in Him, because He and His disciples did not fast, and lead such an austere life as they and their master did; because of the meanness and obscurity of Christ's kingdom; the imprisonment of John, and the many reproaches, afflictions, and persecutions, which did, and were likely to attend a profession of Christ: this our Lord knew, and had a peculiar respect to them in these words."
"But happy are those persons, who, notwithstanding all these difficulties and discouragements, are so far from stumbling at Christ, and falling from Him, that they heartily receive Him and believe in Him, make a profession of Him, and hold it fast; greatly love, highly value, and esteem Him, and are willing to part with all, and bear all for His sake: these are blessed, notwithstanding all their sufferings for Him even now; they have spiritual peace, joy, and comfort in their souls, and shall be happy in the full enjoyment of Him to all eternity." (Source: http://bible.cc/matthew/11-6.htm)
Nevertheless, happy are those persons who receive Him and believe in Him and make a profession of Him. Indeed, Jesus, thou art my praise. Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords -- who shed His precious blood on a cross for me. The one and only Jesus who said, "I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall never hunger. And He that believes on me shall never thirst."
Take hold of this blessed assurance today. That is, how could we ever doubt a God whose hands hold the universe? Worship our Lord God and Saviour Jesus today. Stand in the offering plate.
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