Scoff
I write these devotionals as if I am speaking to a home Bible study. Matthew 13:52 say, “He [Jesus] said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”
So, in these devotionals, I need to bring out “old” things, things that we just need to be reminded of from time to time. And, I bring out new things; not new scripture, there isn’t any! But, I try to apply God’s word to modern problems or to bring out passages of Scripture that tend to get overlooked.
One of the things I consider is how to find a balance between the vast encouragement that flows from God’s Word and the warnings about getting too comfortable in this fallen world.
So, from time to time, I throw in a devotional that may seem out of context. All I’m doing is attempting to help all of us, myself included, in living and growing in our relationship with Jesus. And, to remind us all that each day is a new day, with new mercies for us to achieve our commitment to Jesus.
Each one of you is important to me. Now, here’s what I want us to consider, today.
In Jude 1:8 it says,“…In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” I did a quick search and there are several places in the Bible that speak against scoffing – God doesn’t like it.
The dictionary definition for “scoff” is “an expression of scornful derision.” Synonyms include: mock, deride, ridicule, sneer at, jeer at, jibe at, taunt, make fun of, poke fun at, laugh at, scorn, laugh to scorn, dismiss, make light of, belittle.” We may have been scoffed at in the past or even today, and it hurt, but we must not be a scoffer.
Prayer: Oh God, I pray in the Name of Jesus. You created all of us in Your image, so if I mock, ridicule or scoff at someone, even a vile person, I am, in effect, doing that to you. Please help me to not participate in any aspect of scoffing. Amen.
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