July 11, 2022
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 4:8
Hope in the human heart is planted there by the Creator. It is placed there by His design. In tender affection and mercy it is His plan to nurture hope in the heart, keeping it alive by the revelation of Himself. It is Satan who projects his own evil character traits onto God as a way of derailing the divine plan of salvation.
The hope of salvation is referred to as a helmet, because it is through the mind that the intellect and character are molded into the likeness of Christ. The special interest that Jesus showed towards children was also a tremendous blessing and encouragement, like no other, to the parents. He knew that young hearts, as yet not exposed to the worldly corruptions that the enemy has planned for them, are the most receptive to the teachings of the gospel. Their hearts are wide open to divine influences, and there is a strong capacity for retention in their young minds.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:1-4
In His great wisdom, Jesus communicated in various ways and degrees of emphasis, depending upon the listeners. He employed softer words whenever possible, conveying the light of truth to hearts tender and receptive to the foundational principles of heaven. In the cases of those who have allowed corruption to alter their ways of thinking, His words are sharper in order to break through the shell of hardness. This was especially true with those of His day who had been entrusted with the written Word, as they were more accountable: for to whom much is given, from him much will be required (Luke 12:48). In our day, the wide availability of God’s Word in the world includes countless software programs for quickly locating passages and topics. We are most definitely ones to whom much is given! In every case, the Savior regards with longing and affection all of the souls whom He has purchased with His own blood.
With every teaching given us being in human language, there is ever the risk that the words of the Lord will be twisted and misused. We are shown in the scenes of Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness that Satan knows the content of Holy Writ. He is behind every misuse of the Word of God. This is why we are counseled to study and make certain we understand it correctly.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
All of the counsel contained in the Bible is given for our happiness, wholesomeness, positive influence upon those around us, and salvation. Most of all, we are to bring glory to God. In all of your decision-making, choose the course that glorifies Him!
Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but to Your name give glory, because of Your mercy, because of Your truth. Psalm 115:1