Back in Jesus’ Day, the people who could have been awesome witnesses to the healings and teaching done by Him, especially to their children, were afraid to speak up because they were afraid of being put out of the synagogue. One case in particular that comes to mind was the man born blind. Did you hear me? BORN blind. Now you know every and anybody who lived in or near the same area code, knew this man came here blind. Jesus comes along and heals him, now he can see. In my mind they all should’ve been rejoicing over what we call a miracle. But now he has to go before the court (if you let me use this terminology) and answer questions as to who caused him to see. I’m sure the man said, “I don’t know His name” (and He didn’t). “I just know, I was born unable to see and now I can.”
The truth was not good enough. I’m telling you, when you start messing with religion and traditions, this is going to be some of what you get. “Send for his parents”, the “court” said. Like a grown man don’t know about his own life. The parents enter the room and because of a certain race of people’s beliefs or traditions, when asked about their son and his new found condition, they fearfully said, “ask him, he’s old enough to answer for himself.” And I don’t blame them one bit, because number one, I wasn’t there when it happened. I just know what he said about it. Secondly, the word says they were afraid to say Christ healed their son because it had been rumored anyone who confessed Him would be put out of the synagogue.
Well, you don’t have to put me out. I, in my right mind, put myself out. If you don’t want to know the truth don’t come asking me. Most of them saw it for themselves. They were always snooping around looking for something to condemn Jesus with. There were other times when even some of the rulers believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees, and fear of being put out, they kept quiet.
With leaders and the way the world works with all of this vote stuff, many will not stand up for what is right for fear of being voted out. Even in our churches, if you don’t go along with the program then they try and control you with threats about positions, titles and ranks. Gone somewhere with that!
I had a pastor tell me once after I came to him about a problem I saw in the ministry. He stated that we have to careful who we put in leadership, because they start seeing things they shouldn’t be involved in. I kindly, but boldly explained to him, you didn’t put me in the position, God did. I also told him that I didn’t start seeing the problem when I got in the position, I saw beforehand. He wanted me to go along with the wrong, and the program in place because he said that’s the way they do things.
Child please, like I said before, you better gone somewhere with that. I took authority and put myself out! Traditions, religion and Kingdom will not mix. I guess it’s like pouring old wine into new wine skins or putting a new piece of fabric on an old garment…Won’t work!