Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Sent: Thu, 15 May 2008 08:49:39 -0500
To: "Smith, Lynn " <lsmith20@Central.UH.EDU>
Subject: Morning Manna May 16-BP: Lk. 7:36-50; RBTTY: Jn. 5:1-24; II Kings 24-25
May 16 “When Others Criticize and Condemn”
“Now, when the Pharisee who had bidden Him saw it, he spoke within himself, saying, ‘This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that touches him—for she is a sinner’. . .And they that sat at meat with Him began to say within themselves, ‘Who is this that forgives sins also’?”
Luke 7:39, 49
It’s not a question of whether or not we’ll experience it; it’s a question of how we will respond.
Criticism.
We may not be able to give a dictionary-definition of it, but we know very well what it is: Stinging, barbed comments. . .cutting remarks. . .verbal put-downs. . .slanderous backbiting. . .patronizing and mockery, etc.
Yes, we know this “fiery dart” well, along with its “cousins,” Cynicism and Sarcasm.
That’s why today’s Manna is a much-needed one, especially if we’re apt to get easily wounded by others’ words and forget to quickly raise our “shield of faith” (Eph. 6:16) when others assault us like Simon, the Pharisee, and his buddies did Jesus that day.
Whoever said, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me” was either deluded or deceived—or both. And, in reality they were originally coined by the devil himself, who is the “father of lies and liars” (Jn. 8:44).
Even so, Jesus’ response to Simon’s contempt of the weeping woman is well-worth our contemplation and emulation. He knew what Simon was before he invited Him to his house for a meal (v.36). He knew what he and his friends were thinking even while they were thinking them. Yet, instead of lashing out at them and giving them a tongue-lashing for their unloving and unkind ways, He used the woman’s tears and lavish love as a spiritual “Kodak moment” to impart great spiritual truth (vv.44-47).
Oh, dear Pilgrim, it’s so tempting when others are unfairly criticizing us or talking badly about us behind our back to want to get even. Like Peter, we want to grab a sword and cut someone’s head off (John 18:10). Or, like James and John, we want to call down fire from Heaven on the unbelieving infidels (Lk. 9:51-56).
But, resorting to such carnal weapons will only make matters worse.
Much better is heeding Jesus’ example and teachings about “loving our enemies, blessing them that curse us, doing good to those who hate us and praying for them who despitefully use us and persecute us” (Mt. 5:44). And, Luke’s version of this Beatitude also says “Blessed are you, when men shall hate you and separate themselves from you and reproach you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy—for, behold, your reward is great in Heaven. . .” (6:22-23).
What’s that, Pilgrim? You’re not there yet?
Welcome to the Christ-Club. May the Spirit help us today to be more like the forgiven, weeping woman than the caustic, critical Pharisee. And, may we, like Jesus, be so focused on doing God’s will (vv.48, 50) that we don’t worry about what others say.
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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