Scripture:
Luke 12:8-12 ESV
[8] “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, [9] but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. [10] And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. [11] And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, [12] for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
Observation:
I was looking at this scripture, and I honestly got a little intimidated by it. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has felt that way. So let me explain why. One of the first things that is said in these verses is that if we deny Jesus in front of others, HE will deny us to the father. But let me explain what the bills down to in my mind. I believe there are many ways to deny Jesus. A Christian rock band named DC talk wrote a song called What if I Stumble. At the beginning of it, there is a man talking and he says something like this. “The number one cause of Atheism today is people saying they believe in Jesus with mouth but denying HIM with their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.” That being said, this scripture kind of comes to light a little more. Denying Jesus is a little more than just saying I believe in Jesus. Yet the very next verse says if you speak a word against the Son of Man, you can still be forgiven. That brings up an interesting point… how can you speak against HIM yet not deny HIM. Here is one thought, and I tied it all together for me in my mind. An agnostic person doesn’t believe in Jesus because HE has not been revealed in their life. So they may be speaking against HIM. However, when they finally hear the Holy Spirit calling them out by name and Jesus reveals HIMSELF to them, they answer the call, and forgiveness takes place. Atheism, however, is different. They outright deny the Holy Spirit all together, no matter how loud HE calls their name. This brings me to my second point. How can GOD forgive someone who denies HIS existence. This answers the question in my mind about what blaspheme of the Holy Spirit is and removes the fear of whether or not you have done it. Now, into the final part of our scripture this morning. Jesus tells us not to worry about what we are going to say. There will come a time when we will have to defend our faith. But the Holy Spirit will provide the words. It’s not up to us.
Application:
I feel like a good portion of the application of this scripture has already been gone over in the observation of it. Sometimes, it’s hard to separate those two. However, I remember a time in my life that I have spoken about before in previous SOAPs, a time when my life didn’t line up with what I was proclaiming. I was speaking about Jesus but was not living for HIM. I think this is a very dangerous place to be, and GOD revealed why to me. Our lifestyle matters. What we say needs to line up with what we do. If we are saying that Jesus christ changed our lives, yet we are still living like hell. We will do more damage to the kingdom than good. My question is, why would someone want a lifestyle they already have. My statement is that who the son sets free is free indeed. Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that sanctification is a process. But it requires moving forward. We can’t just stay where we are. Sure, we come to Jesus as we are, but HE dies not leave us that way. HE changes us, and HE redeems us, HE restores us, and He revives us. That’s how HE draws others to HIM… your changed life. The power of the Holy Spirit. That’s the bate. We are fishers of men. We catch them, but HE cleans them. I remember sitting in a trap house smoking meth talking about Jesus. My compromise life pushing people away from the one thing they need. However, the sanctification process had started. Not that I am perfect now. But if those people were to run into me today, they would see a different person and be witness to the true power of Jesus christ. My lifestyle is proof of that. Now, when I am prompted to speak about Jesus, the words I say have substance. Because it’s clear that my life has changed and that I did not do it. Left to myself not answering the call of the Holy Spirit. I would still be sitting in a trap house smoking meth talking about Jesus but denying HIS true power. The power to change lives. So that being said, I know that someone reading this SOAP has felt the tug of the Holy Spirit. Maybe there is something in your life that is heavy on you, and it’s time to bring it to Jesus. Something that you feel if others knew it they may question your walk with GOD. Listen, I know the feeling. HE (the Holy Spirit) is calling you to let it go. I’m telling you it’s possible, and you don’t have to live like that. Jesus christ has set you free from the bondage of sin. Whatever it is, Jesus is bigger. HIS name is above it. HIS name is above every other name. Set it at the altar and walk away changed. HE will deliver you. You have not because you ask not.
Prayer:
Father, we come to you today asking that you would open our ears so we can hear your call. Your word says, “Let him who has an ear hear what the spirit is saying.” We do not want to tune you out. We want our lives to be a reflection of you. A reflection of the changes you have made. Father, change us and use us. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen