A. As in any biblical interpretation the context must be considered. The Pharisees and scribes had come to scoff at the Saviour's words. They considered themselves to be beyond any need. They did not feel they were sinners in the ordinary sense of the word. Since they had spurned the Lord He went to those who knew they had a great need. This is why Christ ministered to the publicans and sinners. Remem ber, Jesus will not force Himself upon anyone! Scripture warns us not to cast our pearls before swine. If people refuse to recognize sin in their own lives there is very little we can say. For those who are op en and who realize their spiritual needs there is hope and anticipa tion for salvation. Q. Spokane, Wash. " Could you p lease exp la in Deu teronom y 16:17?" A. Again, in any interpretation of the Word, the context must be studied. Here Cod is telling Israel that there are to be three pilgrim age feasts before the Lord in the place of His choosing. The Saviour Himself, as an Israelite, went to Jerusalem to fulfill the law. It states that the people shall not appear before the Lord empty-handed. Ev ery man was to give as he was able. This is a lesson for us, too. Our churches should not find us wor shipping on the Lord's Day with out something in our hands, ac cording as Cod has given to us. The New Testament equivalent is found in II Corinthians 8. Q. Nampa, Ida. "Please comment on the phrase, 'We are our own worst enemies'." A. This is frequently used and there
is scriptural proof for this very idea. In Jeremiah 17:9-12 we read that "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" The issues of life spring from the heart. We act accordingly. "The heart" does not mean the physical organ of the body but rather our entire being including our will and mind. This is the reason why sometimes we are our own worst enemies. Q. Los Angeles, Calif. "In Isaiah 9:6 we read of the various titles or names of the Saviour. Can you tell mg what they mean?" A. This is a tremendous verse. Con sider the phrase, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is giv en." A child was born on that Christmas day to the virgin Mary. At the same time Cod gave to this world His Son. This is the very thing that lost humanity needs. "Wonderful" is an interesting and descriptive title. We use it in an absolute sense because there can be nothing more wonderful. In every aspect of Christ's life, His birth, His death, His resurrection, His intercession, and His coming again is to be called "Wonderful." He is also known as "Counsel lor." In some countries a counsel lor is an attorney. Here the thought is one who is an advisor. How much is being emphasized these days on all types of counselling. It is avail able for everyone in every area of life. Verse 11 of this chapter gives our Lord's credentials for this title. He has both the spirit of counsel to advise as well as might to carry it out. If you follow the counselling of our Lord Jesus, He will give you the wisdom and guidance you need. You will never make a mistake go- Page 23
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker