Monday, January 14, 2019

Matthew 13:52 TPT

      As I was reading Day 14 in the chronological reading plan for the New Testament TPT, my attention was drawn to v. 52 of Matthew 13.  “Every scholar of the Scriptures, who is instructed in the ways of heaven’s kingdom realm, is like a wealthy home owner with his house filled with treasures both new and old.  And he knows how and when to bring them out to show others.”
      "And he knows how and when to bring them out to show others" is the phrase that particularly caught my attention.  Just as a homeowner only shows his treasures to those he knows will appreciate them and be glad that he has them, how much more should we be sharing the treasures we find in the scriptures with those who will recognize and appreciate them!  How many times have I "hit people over the head" with scriptures that I think apply to their lives or situations and had them totally rejected?  Have you ever done that?  Could it be because we have not known how and when to bring them out?  Is it not time?  Are they not ready to receive them?  Are we attempting to solve problems for them when they need to search the answers out for themselves?  Maybe they have not come to desperation yet?  Or are they mad at God for letting them go through this situation?  Have they asked our advice?
       Sometimes, just as a homeowner discovers, there are those who are jealous, hard hearted, not able to share in your enthusiasm and good fortune.  How important it is to seek the Lord so that we too can do only what we see the Father doing!  Good intentions can sometimes do more damage than doing nothing.  
      It is important to study the word so that we know the scriptures but then it is just as important to be alert to know how and when to bring them out to show others.

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