Fresh Bread July 15: Scandalized!

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and immediately with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is OFFENDED. (Matthew 13:20-21, King James Version)

Nobody wants to be the subject of a scandal whether he/she is the one perpetrating the scandal or the one who is being scandalized. The word scandal speaks of: public disgrace, misconduct, exposed wrong doing, embarrassment, dishonor, shame, discredit, stain, stigma. This is what Satan (whose name means our “opponent”) tries to do whenever God speaks to us.

Jesus told his disciples (learners) that people will receive his teachings with joy but they must understand that trouble and persecution will come [from Satan] because of that Word. And the sad thing is people will be “offended” because that Word from God will be the cause of so much trouble. The word “offended” is the Greek word “scandalidzo” which literally means: trapped with a springing device. It’s basically a mouse trap.

Satan’s goal once we receive God’s word is to test us to the point that we go for “his bait” (cheese). He then springs the trap which results in our being disgraced, dishonored, and discredited. Esau was supposed to be the one whose name was turned into “Israel” not Jacob. But Esau was scandalized; trapped with Satan’s bait of Campbell’s Soup. (Hebrews 12:16, NLV)

PRAYER: Holy Spirit, I enjoy when You speak God’s Word to me through a preacher, teacher, circumstance, or simply a friend’s wise counsel. Give me Your strength when that word is put to the test in my life. Help me not to be the subject of any scandal that would discredit (make me not believe) God’s Word to my life!