TRUE WISDOM: LISTENING TO THE WORDS JESUS SPOKE

          By A.W. Tozer

          Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said; This is an hard saying, who can hear it?    --John 6:60

                In the world of men we find nothing approaching the virtues of which Jesus spoke in the opening words of the famous Sermon on the Mount.  Instead of poverty of spirit we find the rankest kind of pride; instead of meekness -- arrogance; instead of mourners, we find pleasure seekers; instead of hunger after righteousness, we hear men saying, "I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing" instead of mercy, we find cruelty; instead of purity of heart, corrupt imaginings; instead of peacemakers, we find men quarrelsome and resentful; instead of rejoicing in mistreatment, we find them fighting back with every weapon at their command!

                Into a world like this the sound of Jesus' words comes wonderful and strange, a visitation from above.  It is well that He spoke, for no one else could have done it as well; and it is good that we listen, for His words are the essence of truth.

                Jesus does not offer an opinion, for He never uttered opinions. He never guessed; He knew, and He knows! His words are not as Solomon's were, the sum of sound wisdom or the results of keen observation.  He spoke out of the fullness of His Godhead, and His words are very Truth itself.  He is the only one who could say "blessed" with complete authority, for He is the Blessed One come from the world above to confer blessedness upon mankind!

                Best of all. His words were supported by deeds mightier than any performed on this earth by another man.

                It is wisdom for us to listen!

---

         Yours in Christ,
         Paul N. F.