I fear that men look far too much to men and not nearly enough to Christ. I promise if you look to any man, others will find a fault in them and in time they will most likely disappoint you themselves. I pray we never look at another for our answers without first looking to what the Lord says. Quoting another does not gives us the conclusions but merely provides a portal that He may use to speak to you. Take not the words of another but search yourself in the scriptures, pray fervently, and lean yourself on His bosom and ask upon the Lord.
Extra Credit: Sort of on topic with this one from J. C. Ryle. For when we view anyone in the light of His words or the gospel we will not only find that The City was Full of Idols , but that everyone has their own idols as well and will disappoint in time.
Jhn 13:23 Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Jhn 13:24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.
Jhn 13:25 He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?
- Why did Peter not ask the Lord directly and who did he ask?
Isn’t this so telling of all of us today. When faced with confusion or doubt we go not directly to Christ but a brethren. Not that fellowship and consolation with others is incorrect, for I know I have far to little of it myself, but should we not trust and first look to Christ with our questions or concerns. So often when we go to another, even a pastor, it is only to be reassured and not to hear their discernment. We want comfort and cajolement not answers. It seems when meet with any difficulty we ask and go to those we are most comfortable, another sinner. I am the most guilty of this, faced with issues and decisions and looking to the counsel of others instead of fervently looking to Christ. I, like so many others, no the answers the Spirit has laid on my heart before I ask but desire another sinner to speak over my conscious and comfort my unrest. So why not lean on Christ bosom ourselves and ask Him directly? Our reader I fear in myself it is comfort in sin and flesh and a lack of intimacy with our Savior that John shared. I must say again that I see nothing adverse to strong fellowship with brethren, me I long for it and miss those times I am without, but let us not promote or look to any man no matter their office, knowledge, or relation to us that we have a more intimate relationship with them than with our Lord Himself. (Mat 26:38)
