Day 180
Matthew 15:14
"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch."
It is the willfully blind who Jesus was referring to in Matthew 15:14, when He said, "Let them alone." What a horrible state to be in - left alone. That is the consequence of those who refuse to see. When we do not understand, God pursues getting insight to us. However, we are accountable for the enlightenment we do receive. If we refuse to act upon what we know, we will be permitted to "fall in the ditch." It behooves us to be doers, and not hearers only.
Apart from grasping this warning for ourselves, we can also use what Jesus said to help guide us in our pursuit to get truth to others. As sowers, we must continue to plant the seeds God has given us. It is a temptation sometimes to stay with the seed that falls on stony, thorny or wayside ground. We try to force the unreceptive ground to encompass our seed and begin the fruit-bearing process. However, while we are exerting energy on the wrong soil, other good soil candidates are waiting for seed. It is important to learn when to "let them alone." Jesus wanted everyone to receive and be blessed. He even wept over the city of Jerusalem, because He wanted so much for them to receive what God had planned for them. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus said, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" Nevertheless, He realized that every man must make his own choice, and God respects the choices we make, no matter how much He wishes they would be different.·
So, let us do two things. First, let us make sure we do not become ditch victims, by refusing to do what we know is right. Secondly, let us respect the choices of others, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, when it is time to move on to other ground with our seed basket. ·
I will practice following the Lord completely. I will fall into ditches less and less, as I increase more and more in obedience. I will respect the choices of others, as I continue to sow the precious Word of God to those I am able to reach.