And when this discovery is made, it often means that men are offended in Him. For His demand involves a costly disturbance in the regulation of home and business and social life, according to His order. It means possibly for some the relinquishing of a kind of popularity which exists only because of shameful silence regarding Him. It involves others in the severance of ties which have become a large part of their life, and the sacrifice of material prosperities which partake of the nature of unrighteousness. It means for all the end of self-indulgence, a crucifixion in order to a coronation, a dethronement in order to an enthronement.
And when all this comes to be clearly apprehended, then it is that men are offended in Christ. When He says: "Cut off thy right hand; pluck out thy right eye; forsake all that you have; take up the cross and follow Me", then comes the test which determines everything. Then too often men go back to walk no more with Him. Not because they do not understand Him, but because they have come to know Him too well! When He comes to be recognized, not only as the Christ of the sympathetic heart, but also as the Christ of the steadfastly set face, then great is the blessedness of the unoffended.
Judas: Son of Darkness Description: What was wrong with this man? How could he live for 3 years in Christ's inner circle and then betray the best friend he ever had?
Judas is an important part of our spiritual education. His hopes, dreams, and mistakes are on record for our benefit. The darkness that surrounded him is for our enlightenment. His grief and regret are described to help us draw near to the love of God.
Under The Cover Of Darkness The Artificial Light Of Religious Ambition The Artificial Light Of Moral Pretense The Artificial Light Of Self-Importance Pushing Back The Darkness Walking In The Light What Others Have Said About Evil The Choice Is Ours
You can download the entire .pdf file at the below web address:
[Taken from “God Tells the Man Who Cares,” from “The Best of A.W. Tozer,” 1980, pgs. 254-256]
It is not by accident that the philosophy of pragmatism around the turn of the century achieved such wide popularity in the United States. The American temperament was perfect for it, and still is. Click the link above to listen.
