15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
My husband is constantly trying to teach me to guard against speaking or writing such absolutes as “always”, “never”, “all”, “none”, etc., etc. as they, of course, leave very little room for error (and believe me, I find I am always in need of room for error!). I totally agree “most” of the time until it comes to the promises found in God’s Word and it is in regarding these that I can profusely pour out the “always” remarks! You can take the promises of Scripture to the bank so to speak – they are certain and fixed standing “firm in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89). Scripture tells us:
20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Cor 1:20 (NIV)
In our verses for today Jesus pointedly gives us the promise that obedience to our knowledge of the Truth will “always” be blessed. Knowledge can be a very funny thing. The Bible tells us head knowledge alone puffs up yet it is love which edifies – the fleshing out of the knowledge known.
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 1 Cor 8:1 (NIV)
Nothing is more common than for one to sit, soak and sour regarding the teaching of God’s Word. Professing to know Truth yet remaining in disobedience. People seem to flatter themselves in thinking that there is something redeeming and credible in knowledge alone yet they remain barren of fruit in heart or character. Sadly, to know what we ought to do and what we ought to believe and what we ought to be yet remain unaffected by this knowledge only adds to our guilt in the sight of God. Where much has been given, much is expected. We who live in a land inundated with Bibles and commentaries and sermons and churches etc., etc. should take heed to this. Unfortunately, we oftentimes become careless and indifferent to what has been graciously allowed to us.
Obedience and practice is the very life of religion. We will never truly be happy in our Lord’s service if we are content with only the head knowledge of duty yet forgo living according to that knowledge. Doctrinal orthodoxy apart from the practical love and humility is worthless before God. We shrink the Holy Spirit within us - Whom gives us the power to flesh out Scriptural knowledge - through our lack of willing obedience. God does not force our obedience, unfortunately, it is our choice. Paul tells us:
2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 1 Cor 4:2 (NIV)
James gives us the following admonition as well:
17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. James 4:17 (NIV)
“The end of learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love Him and imitate Him.” John Milton
The Word “blessed” our Lord uses in verse 17 is a much higher word than mere happiness which is dependent upon favorable circumstances. It is from the Greek word “Makarios” meaning “to be fully satisfied; sharing in the life of God; being favorably affected and influenced by God - involving many things such as forgiveness, freedom of conscience, participation in kingdom work, recompense, the Second coming, the Holy Spirit, heavenly rest and moral and spiritual purity. This is why that even in suffering and pain one can be pronounced blessed, for God’s purpose behind it ensures that it is for the good of His creature and the glory of His own name.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids.
“How little people know who think that holiness is dull...When one meets the real thing, it’s irresistible. C.S. Lewis
The whole of Psalm 37 written by King David attests to the blessings of following hard after God and is certainly worth the read in its entirety. Below are a few verses from this Psalm to whet our appetites:
3 Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalms 37:3-4 (NIV)
5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: 6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Psalms 37:5-6 (NIV)
16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; 17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous. Psalms 37:16-17 (NIV)
18 The days of the blameless are known to the LORD, and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty. Psalms 37:18-19 (NIV)
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. Psalms 37:37 (NIV)