Respite for the Remnant

Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. (Matthew 7:6, KJV)

Encouragement is like a two-sided coin. On one side it reads “DO,” on the other side, “Don’t”. One side says “Yes!”; the other, “No!”

Rude or Righteous?

At surface glance, what Jesus said in the verse above seems rather harsh, yet, like that two-sided coin, a loving God looking out for our welfare prompts us both ways,

But how do we know if Jesus’ explanation–and warning–is rude or .righteous?

As with all Biblical examination, context is key.

What the Bereans Did

The Bereans were a group of early truth seekers commended for their practice of listening and reading closely to make sure what was being taught by Jesus’ first disciples was true. As recorded in Acts chapter 17:

The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, with not a few Greek women of high standing as well as men. (v, 11-12)

Looking At Both Sides Now, and Discernment

.I believe the context-rich explanation in the video presentation below covers both sides of the encouragement coin while also providing some biblical perspective regarding whether or not we are to always engage in every conversation, argument, or debate with someone who seems intent only on pushing back on our belief in Jesus Christ–worse, he or she projects hostility.

Because, in my view, discernment will prove increasingly valuable in a world growing arguably more anti-Christian by the day.

So the question becomes: do we remain at risk (or at ministry) or, “shake the dust off our feet and move on?

The presentation also, in my view, presents the unifying love of a Heavenly Father who expresses His patience and compassion toward us by both showing us the Way, Truth, and Life path, you know, that narrow one, and how to remain on it in spite of rabbit trails and hostile territory.

For He also loves those who push back (with whom we may have a shortened relationship now) but who, in due time, may also choose the right path.

Of great encouragement just now, though, is that, in the frustration and heartache this situation might prove for one or more of us today, perhaps our response may just be one seed of truth planted in the other’s mind and/or heart, or in another analogy, a few drops of water on a parched seedling wedged in some crack in a rock (see Matthew 13: 3-9).

Only God knows.

And at some future point, He may use our seemingly fruitless efforts now for His redemptive purpose then.

But see what you discern regarding the presentation, below.

Note: my choice of this video does not necessarily imply that I agree with other teachings from this ministry outreach..

Citation: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOuLnMY-ijC2Mg8SlU-f88Q