Change Really Hasn’t Changed

Sometimes, the more things change, the more they remain the same.

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John 5:16 – And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

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The French have an adage that says, “Plus ça change, plus c’est la meme chose.”  It means, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”  In many respects, that is a particularly poignant statement.  It is to that end that I write today.  In speaking with a friend recently, she reminded me of something she once said to her father, a life-long personal friend, that gave him quite a chuckle.  She said to him that she found it remarkable that in the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the religious community persecuted Him for doing good works on the Sabbath, but today, the religious and secular communities push their agenda on the church to keep us from doing good works on every day BUT Sunday (the church equivalent to the Sabbath).  What is the sad truth about that statement is that too many leaders in the church acquiesce to that kind of thinking, and refuse to stand up for the faith and press forward with the thinking that the good works of the church should be taking place EVERY day inEVERY place as a witness to EVERY person.  So while things seem to have changed so greatly over the centuries since Jesus walked the earth, in reality, the church still battles the same old religious spirits Jesus did.  They may be dressed differently, speak different words, and seem to promote different agendas, but in reality,  the same old religious spirits are still lurking around every corner.

My friend, it is time for the Christian community, and in particular, Christian leaders to follow the command of the Apostle Paul regarding communion. We need to judge ourselves regarding our faithful embracing of Biblical command, the example of Jesus in His earthly ministry, and the true leading of Holy Spirit.  If ever there was a time for teaching the church HOW TO BE LED BY HOLY SPIRIT, it is NOW!  TODAY!  AND EVERY DAY!  Traditions that are not in compliance with Scriptures need to be prayerfully considered, and perhaps, down to the last detail.  If we are to be imitators of Jesus, don’t you think it’s time we spoke like Jesus, acted like Jesus, taught like Jesus, prayed like Jesus, and do I dare mention, fast like Jesus?  Just a thought . . .

Manna for Today – John 5:1-17; Romans 8:14

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