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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Crowds are increasing, as is considerable controversy and conflict, and Jesus Christ is on His way to the Cross. He knows it.
We are reading and studying in Matthew Chapter 12 and we come to verse 38.
His opening words to this growing congregation are – "This is a wicked generation." We are not the first people to be living in difficult times.
In verses 38 to 42, we read of the danger of religion without true repentance.
In verses 43 to 45, we read of the danger of religion without true regeneration.
In verses 46 to 50, we read of religion without true righteousness.
Religion can be a terrible thing.
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law – these religious people – these religious leaders want a sign. They are almost demanding a sign. Yes, religion can be a terrible thing, and we see that here in our passage. Study it carefully.
Jesus says you will get no sign other than the prophet Jonah.
By that Jesus means - God sending a preacher with His Holy Word.
Jesus saw people as they were, and said so.
One prophetic preacher has called this passage - "How to lose friends and antagonise people."
Jesus had given many signs. It was not signs they needed. Their hard unbelieving hearts needed more than that.
The only sign you will be given is that of Jonah.
Just as Jonah called the people to repent - so I call you to repent. Jesus gave these Jews a sign from their own Bible - from the Word - and they did not want a sign from the Word.
What is the meaning of this? It is – how do people react and respond to the preaching?
Do take time to turn to Jonah Chapter 3 and verses 5,6,7 in particular. Could you imagine that happening today?
What would it be like in our Councils and Parliaments and Government Chambers and Committee Rooms, if that were to happen today? Bad laws could be reversed quite quickly. Previous decisions which run contrary to the Word of God could be withdrawn with explanations given.
What would happen if the Holy Spirit came down upon those in authority and revealed the reality of what is going in our communities and nations in these current times? That has happened before during times of Revival and Renewal.
There are many people meeting together for prayer with Revival and Renewal and Restoration the focus of their praying. Are you part of one of these praying fellowships? If not, may I suggest you join one this coming week and be alongside those who are pleading with our gracious God for an outpouring of His mercy and grace.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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