Luke 7:23 - Blessed by Faith

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Exposition

And blessed is the one who is not offended by me – The disciples of John the Baptist had come to Jesus Christ to ask him whether He was the Messiah they had been waiting for. In verse 22, He told them to go and tell John the Baptist about the miracles he had performed and what they had heard about Him. He then pronounced a blessing on all who were not offended by Him.

Many found offence in Jesus Christ then in those days and today the story continues. The Jews did not believe that the son of a poor carpenter could be the Messiah. Some were not happy that He surrounded Himself with the lowly in the society and with sinners. The disciples of John the Baptist were offended because they fasted but Jesus and His disciples were not seen to fast.

Whoever wants to find a reason will always fine one. Then and now there are those who do not believe in the Trinity. Some take offence because the gospel of Christ requires a life of holiness. Others take offence because of the conduct of some who call themselves followers of Christ. No matter how poor the behaviour exhibited by such people, it cannot be right to paint Jesus Christ with the same brush. Many have been blinded by the agenda of the devil and they take offence where Christians refuse to accept that these new ways of life are the “new normal” in the society.

We can conclude that all who do deny Jesus Christ or who are not offended in Him are blessed. All who receive Him and accept Him as Lord and Saviour are blessed. All who despite the obstacles placed before them and who continue to profess their faith are blessed.

To be blessed is to be favoured by God. To be blessed by God is to live a life of prosperity and success. To be blessed is to live in peace and joy. Do not allow any doubt or prejudice to move you away from faith in Jesus Christ. It is wisdom not to take offence in Jesus Christ.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for making grace available to all who believe in you. Help me Father to continue to stand firm in faith. Help me Father to fill myself with your word. Nothing I see or hear will cause me to join your enemy in Jesus name. Let every plan of the enemy come to nothing in Jesus name.

Thank you for the many blessings that have come my way. Thank you for the blessings that are on the way to me. I pray that as for me and my household we shall serve you forever in Jesus name. Amen.

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Luke 17:1 - Managing Offence

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Exposition

Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come – Offences have translated as stumbling blocks, stumbling or temptation to sin in different bibles.

As long as human beings exist on earth, someone will do or say something that will cause offence to another. This will happen within family, friends, neighbours, colleagues, within the Church or anywhere you can think off. You can also be the cause of offence to another person. Offence will come because the heart of man is intrinsically wicked. There are people who just want to cause you harm. Satan also has agents whose goal is to steal, kill and destroy.

Would you allow offence to take away your peace? Would you live your life on the basis of an eye for an eye? Jesus put His disciples on notice so they would be prepared whenever offences are thrown their way. Many might want to fight back on their own but Jesus completes the statement by saying all who cause offence to other people will be punished.

Prayer

I ask for wisdom to manage every offence against me. Help me Lord not to react with anger at all times. Help me Lord; I also do not want to be a cause of offence to anybody. Keep me as the apple of your eye. You are the Man of War; punish all who trouble me in Jesus mighty name. Amen

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