Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Wed, 23 Apr 2008 06:11:04 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna Apr. 24-BP: I Thess. 5:12-22; RBTTY: Lk. 18:1-23; II Sam. 19-20
April 24 “The Danger of Despising”
“Despise not prophesyings.”
I Thessalonians 5:20
In the spiritual realm, the adage “If the shoe fits, wear it,” is also true.
None of us like going to see doctors or dentists. We don’t like needles and drills, just as we don’t like doctors’ offices, hospital beds and funeral homes. Yet, we know we need such things—especially when we’re sick—for, otherwise, our illness might get the best of us.
Why, then, do we ignore today’s Manna, which says “Despise not prophesyings”?
Or, another way to put it is, “Why do we get upset with the preacher when he says something we don’t like and start accusing him of ‘meddling in our affairs’?”
Sin sure has a way of blinding. . .and the Truth sure has a way of stinging, doesn’t it?
Assuredly it does.
The Apostle Paul includes our Manna in a seemingly impossible, spiritual “To Do” list. Just look at the mandates: “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks—for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Quench not the Spirit. Prove (Grk. ‘dokimazo’—‘to approve, discern, put to the test, be tried, etc.’) all things; hold fast to that which is good. . .and abstain from all appearance of evil” (vv.16-22).
Does that mean we should discount them because of their difficulty?
Not hardly; however, it does mean we should ever-realize that the process of sanctification is not an easy one—but it is one that we should continually make a part of our daily lives.
So, what does it mean to “despise not prophesyings”?
The Greek word “exoutheneo” is used for “despise” and basically means “to view as contemptible, least esteemed, set at naught, etc.,” while “prophesyings” (Grk. “propheteia”) also means “predictions, spiritual messages, sermon, etc.”
Thus, it’s clear that we should be very slow in criticizing the preacher/teacher when we don’t agree with the message. . .or when he/she is a bit loud or long. . .or when the message pricks our conscience or pierces our heart. Instead, we should “rejoice evermore” (v.16) and “give thanks in all things” (v.18).
Remember: God’s Word is “sharper than a two-edged sword, piercing down to the depths of our being, exposing even the secret desires and motives of our heart” (Heb. 4:12). That’s why we should view the Word—whether read, spoken or heard—as the Holy Spirit’s spiritual “Scalpel” that slices through the veneer of our pretenses, laying bare what’s really there.
The next time a preacher’s message “gets to us” or “gets beneath our skin” and we’re tempted to point the finger and accuse, we might do well to remember today’s Manna. . . for it’s very possible the Holy Spirit’s using it to draw us closer to Him.
Thanks,
Mr. Lynn M. Smith
Department Business Administrator
Department of Economics
204C McElhinney Hall
(713) 743-3802 (office)
(713) 743-3798 (fax)
LSmith20@central.uh.edu (email)
http://www.class.uh.edu/econ/ (department website)
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