Receive the Word

Jesus preached in His hometown (Mark 6), but they rejected Him.  Saint John put it this way (John 1:11-13 ESV): “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

The townspeople knew His father and mother, four brothers and sisters.  How could this carpenter’s son carry the very word of God? 

God uses common people to carry extraordinary messages.  Nineteenth Century evangelist D.L. Moody came from poverty and limited education, yet preached God’s saving grace to hundreds of thousands.

Common people possess the wisdom of the ages when they absorb the Word of God.  Even though Saint Paul was not a polished speaker, no one could deny the power with which he spoke.  Paul relied upon Jesus Christ for strength.  Jesus told him (2 Cor. 12:9): "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  So, Paul boasted of his weakness.

Listen to the humble servants of Jesus Christ.  Receive the Word.  The Word will make you wise unto salvation.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Raymond Van Buskirk, Pastor, Redeemer Lutheran Church

Baytown, Texas         www.rlcbaytown.org                          7/5/2009