What steps can we take to avoid rejecting God's messengers in our lives? Listening to the Heart of Matthew 23:34 “Because of this, I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify, and others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute in town after town.” Recognize God’s Consistent Pattern of Sending Messengers • From Noah (2 Peter 2:5) to John the Baptist (Luke 7:26–28), God faithfully dispatches voices to call His people back. • Understanding that pattern guards the heart from surprise or offense when a new messenger arrives. • Reference: Hebrews 1:1–2 reminds that God “spoke to our fathers through the prophets” and now speaks “by His Son.” Cultivate a Humble, Teachable Spirit • Pride clouded the Pharisees’ vision; humility opens ears. • James 1:19–21: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger… in humility receive the word implanted.” • Regular practices: – Daily confession of sin (1 John 1:9) – Gratitude for correction (Proverbs 9:8–9) – Willingness to learn from those younger or different (1 Timothy 4:12) Test Every Message by the Written Word • Acts 17:11 praises the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these teachings were true.” • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 affirms Scripture as the final measure. • Practical steps: – Keep a Bible open while listening. – Note verses cited and read them in context. – Reject any teaching that contradicts the plain meaning of Scripture, regardless of the messenger’s charisma. Honor God-Ordained Authority while Practicing Discernment • Hebrews 13:17 calls believers to obey leaders who “keep watch over your souls.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 balances honor with discernment: “Test all things; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.” • Respond respectfully, even in disagreement, avoiding the contempt that marked the religious elite in Matthew 23. Respond Quickly with Repentance and Obedience • Delaying obedience can harden the heart (Hebrews 3:13). • Acts 3:19 links repentance with “times of refreshing.” • Simple obedience—apologizing, reconciling, serving—keeps resistance from taking root. Seek Confirmation in Godly Community • Proverbs 15:22: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” • Share what you sense God saying with mature believers who know the Word. • Listening together reduces the risk of private misinterpretation. Walk Continually in the Holy Spirit • Galatians 5:16 directs believers to “walk by the Spirit” to avoid the pull of the flesh. • The Spirit provides inner witness (Romans 8:16) and empowers acceptance of truth (John 16:13). • Regular habits: worship, Scripture meditation, and yielded prayer keep the heart sensitive to His guidance. Summary Steps to Avoid Rejecting God’s Messengers 1. Recognize that God still sends messengers. 2. Choose humility over pride. 3. Filter every message through Scripture. 4. Honor leadership while discerning carefully. 5. Act promptly on conviction. 6. Invite trusted believers to speak into your life. 7. Stay yielded to the Holy Spirit daily. Following these practices turns Matthew 23:34 from a sober warning into a pathway of readiness, welcoming every voice God sends for our good. |
    |