Jesus, the Son of God, came to this celestial ball called earth to seek and save lost humanity (Matthew 18:11; Luke 19:10). “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15)! Interestingly, even though Jesus’ mission was a mission of love and rescue, some still rejected Him. Possibly sadder still is the fact that far too many still reject Him. Of course, rejecting Jesus today is manifested by rejecting His Word (John 12:48; 14:6; 2 John 9-11). The accepting or rejecting of Jesus is based upon the attitude (heart) of the hearer. Consider…
Firstly, there is the stubborn heart. Of eternal sadness is the fact that this type of attitude (heart) is often the most seen in society today (especially in America)! This attitude does not use the law of rationality, which states we must justify our conclusions with adequate evidence. Even in the face of irrefutable evidence (John 20:30-31; 1 John 5:13; Hebrews 11:1; et al.), this type attitude will not submit. This type of heart is based more on feelings than on facts. One can see the biblical example of such an attitude as is recorded in Acts 6:8ff.
Secondly, there is the suitable heart. This attitude acknowledges truth, but fails to obey it. Usually the “time is just not right” to submit to the Gospel. Of course, no greater example of the suitable heart exists than that of Governor Felix (Acts 24). In fact, Felix was so convinced and sobered by truth that he “trembled” (Acts 24:25). Although convinced that what Paul spoke was truth, Felix was not convicted to obey. Sadly, far too many are awaiting the perfect time to obey Jesus, while they must understand, “…behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b).
Lastly, there is the submissive heart. Thank God there have always been and still remain those who, when they hear truth, submit themselves to the facts of the Gospel, quickly obey the commands, so that they can lay hold of the eternal promises. Peter’s hearers are certainly a case study in such a heart (Acts 2:14ff). Paul is also a case study in the area of the submissive heart (Acts 9; 26:19).
Sad indeed is the fact that not everyone who hears the Gospel will obey it. Jesus came to give the abundant life (John 10:9-10) to everyone who will simply heed His truth. Have you accepted the truth, or are you rejecting it? How’s your heart?
