Give Not That Which is Holy Unto Dogs - Part 852

I have a red letter version Bible which makes it easier to understand the totality of Jesus' teachings within the new testament. Not the divisions in scripture and chapters that man later inserted, (and sadly, we as a consequence have bought into) but rather the meat and drink that satisfies all the desires of our heart, when we willingly seek Jesus and His righteousness.

As I considered the idea of only "reading the red" on this wonderful day that the Lord has made, I began reading Matthew 5. Jesus is teaching His disciples on the mountain side, a teaching that continues to the end of Matthew chapter 7.

Therein, Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:21) 

Later, in the same chapter, Jesus encourages us to, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." (Matthew 6:32-34)

Also, in this same place is the prayer we recognize today as the Lord's Prayer, in which Jesus teaches us to pray after this manner -- "Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, for Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13)

And again, in this same teaching, Jesus shares ..."Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)

Throughout, there is a unifying thread in this teaching that is often missed, because we stop reading Jesus' teachings at the chapter's end. We don't understand that by seeking Jesus, He will reveal His glory to us. That when we press into Jesus as our all in all, He will in fact give us the kingdom. 

Moreover, when we read Jesus' teaching from beginning to end -- studying the scriptures to show ourselves approved -- we begin to understand how much our Lord God loved us to willingly become our Saviour. Indeed, Jesus reveals Himself to us, ministering in our spirit in the same way that He taught the disciples on the mountain side -- instructing us as believers in Jesus by faith to seek His righteousness with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength. (Matthew 22:37) But note that Jesus does not stop there.

Jesus continues His teachings, stating that we as believers "are the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world." (Matthew 5:13-14) "A city that is set on an hill which cannot be hid." (Matthew 5:14) Read that again -- a city that is set on a hill -- that cannot be hid.

This means that we are to become His faithful witnesses throughout the earth, preaching the good news gospel of His kingdom as the disciples did, becoming effectual in our communications, and sensitive to the needs of others.

Moreover, we are to become as wise men, building our house upon the only Rock wherein we can find salvation -- Jesus -- so that when the wind and rain comes (as it surely will), our faith will stand firm. We will not be moved by the whims and cares of the world. And in these latter days, what did Jesus instruct us to do? 

"Take therefore no thought for the morrow; for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself." 

So, why then are so many believers struggling with the things of this world? We struggle with finances, our jobs, our relationships, and ironically, the day to day of simple survival. But is that the life that the Lord who commands the universe expects us to live? Are we not overcomers, by faith in the same Lord who commands the universe? Did Jesus not say that we would reign -- here on earth? 

According to Jesus' teachings then, our earth focussed struggles are unnecessary. These exist because we are too busy trying to pursue and/or deal with the things that are earthly, instead of trusting completely in Jesus for our day to day. In other words, as sad as it is, believers are trying to trust the gospel while one foot is still stuck in the world. 

This means that we have not fully taken up our cross to follow Jesus in our hearts because if we had, we would be joyful and at peace. Nothing would phase us. In fact, we would glory in the gospel that sets us free. We would rightfully become sons and daughters of the Most High King with two feet wholly in the Word that redeemed us -- and renews our mind and hearts in His liberty.

Jesus said, "Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you ... for everyone that asks, receives; and he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened." (Matthew 7:7-11)

How do we know this to be true? Because Jesus promises never fail. If we remain true to Him, and seek Jesus and His righteousness in everything that we do -- in both word and deed, including baptism -- He is faithful and true. 

"By Him therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of [our] lips giving thanks to His name." (Hebrews 13:15) Most of all, let the God of hope fill you with "all joy and peace in believing that ye may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)

Press into Jesus today. Read His Word. Be baptized in the precious name of Jesus. (Acts 2:38) Stand in the offering plate.