DEEPLY OFFENDED – OXFORD RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS

Many who claim to be the followers of the LORD Jesus, seem to get offended, when confronted with the Word of God. Especially the religious lot. They seem to have a path of their own, and wish to walk on it in contradiction of their “expressed” faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This is obvious from the times of kings in the Bible, even till today.
– “Walking with Jesus is a metaphor for discipleship and fellowship. To “walk with Him” implies a continuous, committed relationship. The decision to no longer walk with Him signifies a complete severance of that relationship. This phrase underscores the cost of true discipleship, which requires acceptance of Jesus’ identity and mission, even when it is difficult to understand or accept.” – Berean Study Bible Notes

J. C. Ryle, writing in his book, “Five Christian Leaders of the Eighteenth Century” mentions a very disturbing incident about some powerful and influential Bible scholars. On 20 March, 1757 evangelist William Romaine, preaches at St. Mary’s Church, Oxford, UK, on “the Lord our righteousness” which terribly offends the religious and theological scholars of the Oxford university, who were in attendance at the service. The impact of Romaine’s preaching is seen in the fact that, he was barred from ever preaching there again. Oh the “righteous” anger of the religious scholars.
– “10 When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14 Let them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.” – Matthew 15:10-14
– “60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?” – John 6:60-62 
– “23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” – Luke 7:23

May the LORD help us to rise above the religiosity of Pharisees and Sadducees. May we be always among those, who truly rejoice at the power of the Word of God, which can cut and destroy, every human thought, idea and imagination, that is contrary to God, and His immutable purposes. May we always be aligned with the LORD, and walk in His ways, faithfully and obediently. Even so the LORD help us.