The Discomforting Christ
Uncomfortable, Bothered, Uneasy and Disturbed
--Pain and discomfort many times are the very thing that leads or drives us to get something done about our problem. Without it, we are prone to ignore or pospone dealing with the issue.
Mt. 15:21-28--the Syrophoenician Woman
Somehow we have the idea that when come into the presence of Christ, we should have a warm, fuzzy feeling.
Our ultimate goal is to be at peace in the presence of Christ. Yet peace is not an automatic given.
Some key proponents to obtain that peace are:
1. Faith
2. Obedience
3. Surrender
4. Persistence
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
---Christ gives peace in a whole different manner than the world does.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
--Christ is the Living Word
--We are told that the Bible is given for 4 distinct reasons, and two of them are about straightening us out. Wow! How do you like those apples?
3 Groups that become disturbed in the presence of Christ
1. Sinners
2. Saints
3. Unsanctified or Backslidden
HEROD
Jesus had just been born in Bethlehem and Herod was very uneasy. He was troubled and felt threatened.
How many people cannot stand to get close to the presence of the Lord? They feel threatened by Jesus. They know that if they stay around, then they may have to come down off their throne and lose some power and pomp.
NICODEMUS
John 3 tells us that he came to Jesus by night.
--maybe he couldn't sleep with a troubled mind
--maybe he was fearful of what other religious folk would think
For sure he was troubled and needed some relief.
The DEMONIAC
Lk. 8:26-28 This guy was possessed by demons. When Christ came by, he became even more insane. He yelled out to Jesus, "torment me not".
PILATE'S WIFE
She wanted to ignore that silly dream she had, but it was nagging at her. Why was this Jesus bothering her. She talked to her husband about it, seeking a way to do something about this matter.
PETER
In Jn. 21, Jesus asks a direct question 3 times to Peter, "lovedst thou me?"
Peter gave an answer each time, so what is going on with the same question being repeated again and again?
It was getting under his skin. He wasn't getting that "blessed" feeling.
SAUL/PAUL
Acts 9:5 "it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks"
Saul was going a hundred miles an hour against God and His people. In a moment, God stopped him in his tracks. He found out that each time he kicked against God, he got goaded painfully.
Some don't want to go to church because they do not feel comfortable there. Let us not create a different atmosphere to make them feel "at home" in church. We need to quit lying to a bunch of people, making them think that God really wants to bless them til they shout, when, in truth, He is trying to make them miserable enough to humble themselves and repent. Then they can truly be blessed.
