THE LORD SPOKE (March 21)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 24-26

A few years ago one of the large distributors of Christian literature had a week-long special every year called “Unmuzzle the Ox”. While pastors might not enjoy being placed in that category, they did take advantage of the special discounts on books offered to ministers by that book club. Throughout the week, any pastor enjoyed some deep discounts on book prices.

The campaign title came from Deuteronomy 25:4 which says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.” The Apostle Paul quotes this verse in I Corinthians 9:9-10 with the added comment that God is not only concerned about oxen. This command has to do also with the servants of Christ, those who “sow spiritual seed”, and their right to be paid for their labor or “reap a material harvest” (I Cor. 9:11). Paul nails it down in the last verse of this paragraph when he says plainly, “The Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:14).

Some might think that it’s unspiritual for a minister to “make money” from the ministry. Indeed, there have been some ugly examples of some very crass behavior in this area. People like Jim Bakker and Benny Hinn have brought much shame and disgrace not only on the ministry in general but also on the name of Christ by their wicked behavior.

But their sin does not alter the clear teaching of Scripture. For every one such example there are ten thousand faithful ministers who work hard in their service for the Lord and He has commanded that they be cared for.

The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain," and "The worker deserves his wages." (1Tim. 5:17-18)

New Testament: John 12

This chapter marks the end of Jesus’ public ministry. From here to the end of the book, He will move steadily towards the cross. With what little time He has left during those terrible last days, He will concentrate on His disciples. The time frame is only one week.

His objectives are very clear in His own mind, but the disciples still can’t get it. Though He quoted Scripture and demonstrated its fulfillment repeatedly (e.g. 12:14-15), “only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him” (12:16). What were His objectives? He clearly lays down five in this discourse:

1. to be glorified (12:23,28) - Jesus was speaking of His subsequent resurrection and exaltation. His objective was to bring glory to the Father’s name and, in response, a voice boomed from heaven to confirm His success in this.
2. to die (12:24) - The greater glory would come by way of death. Just as a kernel of wheat must die in order to reproduce, Jesus had to die.
3. to judge this world (12:30,47) - By His death He crushed the serpent’s head and brought the whole world to account.
4. to draw all men (12:32) - Though it was the fulfillment of OT prophecies, His death was for all mankind. It is significant that Greeks were present at this moment (12:20).
5. to shed light (12:35,46) - It was for this purpose that He came and those who put their trust in Him not only walk in the light, they become “sons of light”, i.e. they share the characteristics of light and radiate Him to others.

The results? “Many even among the leaders believed in him” (12:42). Like the Greeks whose questions started the discourse, they came “to worship at the Feast” (12:20) but they ended up seeing Jesus. Seeing Him in a new way - through they eyes of faith. Glory! The hour had come.