February 29: DEVELOPING A TASTE FOR WHAT’S BEST

“And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better.’” Luke 5:39

Jesus pointed out that anyone who has grown up in a culture and atmosphere of old wine (a metaphor for corrupted doctrines) has no appetite for the fresh new juice of the grape. But the hope in His statement is tucked away in the word immediately. It takes time to thoughtfully examine what has been taught, comparing Scripture with Scripture. Developing a taste for the whole truth of God’s word is a process that involves confrontation with a man’s entire way of thinking and operating, often struggling through one concept at a time.

The culture and atmosphere of popular Jewish thought was adamantly centered on a coming Messiah who would throw off the Roman yoke and establish an earthly kingdom. Even the closest followers of Jesus did not let go of this traditional teaching until after He arose from the dead.

Of course, there is a yoke to throw off here and now! The statements of Jesus have a conquering power on behalf of His eternal kingdom to come. He stands ready to impart grace now for victory over sin and selfishness to everyone who asks. The yoke He came to throw off is the yoke of slavery under Satan’s rule.

If I lack awareness regarding a certain sin or erroneous teaching, a divinely engineered crisis will arise in my life to make me aware. It will bring me to a crossroads; to a point of decision. If at this point my decision is wrong, He will patiently bring it around to the forefront again . . . for a limited time. Beloved, do not quench the Spirit! (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He is willing and able to empower each of us to redeem the time, for the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16 – see also Colossians 4:5). One righteous decision is a positive step toward developing your taste for all of the pure doctrines laid out in His word.

Jesus made it clear that mixing error with truth will not work. The efficacy of His heavenly message is devastated when mixed with the traditions of man who has, perhaps inadvertently, been influenced by our crafty foe. The devil doesn’t mind if a powerless gospel is preached, and it is a man’s refusal to relinquish error that ultimately renders it powerless in his life.

Beloved, let us ask the Lord for openness to truth and willingness to accept correction. Thus, we will develop a taste for new wine and lose our taste for the old. This is Christian growth. Jesus has been gentle with each of us: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.” (John 16:12)—but recognize the urgency of the times we are living in. Allow Him to make you ready to bear all that He has for you to learn!