There is the story of a young preacher who gets hired at a congregation in
the south. He has been based on his reputation alone. The first Sunday,
he gets up and preaches a dynamic sermon. Everyone is just enthralled
by his message and spellbound by his delivery. As the exit, the congregation
members shook his hand and told him how happy they were that they had
him in the position.
Well, the next Sunday the young preacher got up and gave the exact same
sermon. This time the members left and said things like, "Good to see you
this morning, preacher."
The next Sunday morning, the preacher got up and gave the very same sermon
that he had given the last 2 weeks. This time, one of the elders shook his hand,
but asked the question, "Son, that was a very good lesson the first time we heard
it, but don't you have any more?" To this the preacher said, "I have plenty!" So,
the elder looked at him with amazement and asked, "Then, why do you keep
preaching that same one?" The preacher simply replied, "You didn't listen the
first time."
This is a cute, but all too true situation in the world. Many choose to 'ride' a pew
every week, and never let the messages that come from the Bible touch their
lives. Never let the words sink in. Never apply the message to their own lives.
Luke 8:43 Jesus says, "Why do you not understand My speech? Because you
are not able to listen to My word." People have a real problem looking at the
truth in their own life. The stories in the Bible are always for you; always for me.
But many times hear those words and let them slip past, or just think I am glad
he preached that lesson for them, they sure needed to hear that one. For those
folks, let me direct your attention to Matthew 7:3 - "And why do you look at the
speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?"
But, back to the point at hand. Matthew 9:13, Matthew 11:29, Matthew 24:31-33
Jesus talks about learning (understanding) in a way that you need to apply these
things to your life so that you can be like Him. We need to listen to His words
and let them impact our lives to their very core!
Have a wonderful day!
