"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase"
1 Corinthians 3:6
A Message From the Horne of Africa
"I Approve This Message"
12/04/2008
Where have you heard those words before? The candidates for various elective offices would display a hard-hitting political ad. Then they would identify themselves, adding "I approve this message." Incidentally, aren't you relieved that the presidential election is now history? It seemed as if November 4 would never come. But what overshadowed election day for the Horne clan was the arrival of Mason Vaugh Steyn--our second great-grandchild. Yes, the birth announcement was made by proud parents, Dan and Sheena Steyn, who could each say individually, "I approve this message."
As in the ancient world, we live in a world of "godless myths and old wives tales," 1 Timothy 4:7. Top this off with urban legends, misinformation and false teaching, 1 Timothy 6:2-3, and you have communication chaos. Those elements are made up of messages which we cannot approve. Paul warns Timothy about people who have an "unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth. . ." 1 Timothy 6:4-5.
A newspaper editor was instructing a rookie reporter in some of the important aspects of his job. "Never state as a fact anything you are not absolutely sure about," said the editor. "To avoid putting the paper in the position of stating something which it may not be able to prove, you should always use the words 'alleged,' 'claimed,' 'reputed,' 'rumored,' and so on, unless you know positively that everything is true as stated." The reporter was sent out to get society items and soon thereafter, the following paragraph appeared in the society column: "It is rumored that a bridge party was given yesterday by a number of reputed ladies. Mrs. Smith, it is said, was the hostess. The guests, it is alleged, with the exception of Mrs. Brown, who says that she comes from Illinois, were all local people. Mrs. Smith claims to be the wife of Alexander Smith, who is rumored to be doing a thriving business in town." I have a feeling that the editor would not have been able to say, "I approve this message."
At the transfiguration of Jesus, God declared "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him," Matthew 17:5. When the Father said that, He was saying, "I am God and I approve this message." When the Divine Logos (the Word) became flesh and dwelt among us bringing grace and truth, John 1:14,17, God was saying, "I approve this message."
Sometimes obstinate people do not approve the message of Jesus. The Pharisees were especially bad about that because it was a challenge to their hold on the people. The people, who feared the Pharisees more than they did the God of heaven, acquiesced to their wishes, John 12:42-43. The Pharisees operated out of a fear base, John 7:13. They initiated a power struggle against the meekest man who ever lived, Matthew 11:28-30. However, whether they approved or not was immaterial. God doesn't have to have any human's approval for what He says or does. He is God. He approves his message.
Do you approve of His message or do you stand with the Pharisees of old? Have you honored his word by obeying it? That is the best way to say, "I approve this message."
Love you all,
Al--"the Horne of Africa."