July 5, 2020
Matthew 11:25-30 … “At that time Jesus said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants;’” vs. 30
These words from Jesus remind us that not everyone was excited about his ministry to the least and the lost. It seems that those cities most closely tied to the Jewish traditions and the teaching of the elders had a tough time with the liberating words that came from his mouth. And he was irritated—and here makes an interesting distinction. The wise and the intelligent (his tongue is firmly in his cheek) didn’t get the mysteries of the kingdom, but the folks without credentials did! And often that’s still the way it is. Pastors have long recognized that impressive resumes aren’t necessarily good indicators of faith and obedience. And there are often times when excessive knowledge blocks recognition of the Christ in creation and keeps people from opening their hearts to Jesus. As the level of education increases, folks begin to question old truths and turn their backs on the faith of their childhood. Some realize the futility of that path and have learned to adopt what some have called a second naiveté. They stop trying to find answers to ultimate questions with reason and brain power and relax into simple trust. And in that state God comes alive to them and they to God—and their life begins anew. They have been reborn!
Thought for the Day: How has reason threatened my faith?
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