Messages!

The advancements in technology that have taken place over the years are marvelous. Information is transmitted by means of satellite to radio and television in real time. News and information is RECEIVED instantaneously as it is happening around the world. With the means of the internet and e-mail, the sending and RECEIVING of messages is right at our fingertips. Such technology can be (and should be) used to the glory of God. Still, in spite of all this wonderful technology there remains an age old problem. Someone has stated it this way: “You can send a message around the world in one fifth of a second, yet it may take years for it to get from the outside of a man’s head to the inside.” [quote source: bulletin clipping]

Though it may not be hard for messages to be sent, having them PROPERLY RECEIVED is another issue. God has been transmitting the truth of His Will by various means throughout the ages and it has too often been met by the hard-headedness and hard-heartedness of mankind.

Note two things for which the Bereans were complimented.
“(10) The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. (11) 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.” ( Acts 17:11)

Their RECEIVING of the message Paul proclaimed was marked by an eagerness. They were not close-minded. However, their open-mindedness did not mean they were going to accept just any message. They also checked it out to make sure it agreed with Scripture. Unlike some who don’t seem willing to even give the truth a chance, the Bereans were willing to both listen and to investigate the truth. Truth is not fearful of investigation and it does not appear that Paul felt slighted in the least to have his message checked out. Such honest investigation is a safeguard for both the messenger and the RECEIVER.

One of the psalmists prayed…
“OPEN MY EYES, THAT I MAY BEHOLD WONDROUS THINGS OUT OF YOUR LAW.” ( Psalm 119:18 ESV)

Let us also continue to have such openness to the RECEIVING of the Word of God. May we not make it take years of trying before it getting in.

Have a great day EAGERLY LETTING THE WORD COME IN!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Receptiveness