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Haggai 1 to 2
There is a saying 'sticking your head above the parapet', which usually means that you are showing where you stand and therefore exposing yourself to attack.
Today in a world of political correctness gone mad, we find that it isn't considered acceptable to say anything that runs anyone down – even when it is true. Jesus said
John 14:6 "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. NIV
This may be construed to be offensive to a person who has a sincere and genuine belief in another God – but it doesn't alter that it is a true statement. We must be straightforward and honest about what we believe – not to get someone's back out of joint, but to faithfully tell the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
It happened with Paul. He upset a number of Jews.
Heb 3:3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself. NIV
Either Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses or He hasn't! Before Abraham existed Jesus was on the scene (a statement Jesus also offended a lot of Jews with), because He is God, Jesus is greater than Moses.
John 8:58 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!" 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. NIV
The statement of Hebrews 3:3 is vital to our understanding of who Jesus is, but offensive to some Jews.
We can't be the children of God and fulfil the great commission without sticking our heads above the parapet!
Jesus taught us not to go out to offend people, but to tell them the good news. If they are offended at that then they are offended at Him!
There is no such thing as another road to God than Jesus. We can learn much from people of other world religions by their fundamentalism, passion and fervour. But the only one who can tell us about the Father is the Son.
This truth may be upsetting but it is the truth! If we are not careful, the world will go to hell in a handcart whilst we avoid treading on eggshells. Let's stick our heads above the parapet today and shout the message all over the world.
Jesus is the answer for the world today!