What Is The Commission Of The Teachers Of Truth?
There he had sat all of his life just outside the temple courts. Perhaps he had heard the scripture being read. Whenever they would read from Isaiah 35 “God …will come and save you.5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened.” His heart would ache with longing that one day God would come. Perhaps he did not understand at first; but, he longed to understand and to see God’s glory. A heart that during his years of blindness had grown tender. Then Jesus came to him, he placed clay over his eyes and sent him to wash his eyes. He did not see the man who had brought him sight; but, he believed in the truth that this was from God and that the man who had performed this miracle was from God. His parents were afraid of the Jewish leaders and would not answer them concerning the miracle. Yet, this man who had been given sight was willing to risk being an outcast of the synagogue to speak the truth. He had been touched by Grace and he had seen a glimpse of God’s Glory in the gracious act of Jesus giving him sight. That was enough to draw him to boldly stand before the Pharisees and speak the truth from Isaiah 35.
Of course the Religious leaders cast the man out of the synagogue. Once more Jesus had come to seek and find him. Outcast by the local religious community; yet, precious in the eyes of God. This time, Jesus came to offer him salvation for his soul and to give him spiritual sight. First he had heard the truth of scripture with a contrite heart, then he had seen a glimpse of God’s glory which caused him to long for more, and finally, he came to worship Christ as his Savior and King. This is a beautiful illustration of salvation.
First we hear truth with a tender open heart. We see a glimpse of the beauty, the wondrous Glory of God which draws us to long for Glory. At that point we are asked to either worship Christ as our Savior and King or not. At that moment, it is either “yes, I believe, I want you, Jesus, in my life and in my heart. I need you.” Or, it is “no” and plunge deeper into your blindness and deafness. God’s hand reaches forth first with the word. Yet, there are some whose ears are closed and eyes are shut. They have grown callused over the years. This is particularly true of those who believe they are themselves the authorities. They are the truly blind; because, they think they can see.
Paul knew the Old Testament scripture so well. After all, He was a “Pharisee of the Pharisees.” Paul was made to be blind along the road to Damascus so that his eyes could be opened to the truth of the gospel. He became blind that he might gain true sight. Many came to Paul to listen as he proclaimed the truth of the gospel; but, not all heard the truth. Some were offended when he reminded them of the truths from Isaiah. “23 They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and came in even larger numbers to the place where he was staying. He witnessed to them from morning till evening, explaining about the kingdom of God, and from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets he tried to persuade them about Jesus.24 Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe.25 They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul had made this final statement: “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through Isaiah the prophet:
26 “‘Go to this people and say,
“You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.”
27 For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’[a]
28 “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” (Acts 26 NIV).
So, we who know Christ are called to be teachers of the truth of the gospel to those we meet along this journey. We must not become discouraged when some whose hearts are calloused turn their back. We study the scripture with the Holy Spirit’s guidance so that we may know the truth. Then we teach the truth both by our actions and our words. Through the windows of our hearts we are to allow the glory of Christ to shine forth so that they might see a glimpse of His Glory through our lives. Then, they either come to worship Him or they close their eyes and walk away. “9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest” (Galatians 6 NIV)
So, all you dear teachers of truth. It is our place to sow seeds, sometimes to water and the harvest is God’s. [bctt tweet=”Do not grow weary. Do not become discouraged. Do not give up. God is on your side.”]
If you don’t know Him, let me introduce to you the one who came to save you from your sins and can cause your eyes to see glory as you have never imagined. I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, or email me. I will keep you in my prayers.
The song I chose for you today is “Here I am to Worship” by Chris Tomlin
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The artist that drew the picture “A Broken and Contrite Heart” featured on my header and who designed my logo is Ronald Barba. Feel free to email me at Artedabarba@gmail.com or purchase his art at http://fineartamerica.com/art/all/ronald+barba/all
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.