Let them be

DEVOTION

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

LET THEM BE

Matt 7:6

6 "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

NIV

We have so many different ways in which we could render some explanation what Jesus meant by this statement. Our scholars of old seem to be thinking in the old concepts of church and the pious manner of the believer. The dogs are those who would come to church, but then return to some form of ill-gotten behavior the next day. That which is holy they considered the sacraments and thus these dogs should not be allowed to take communion. The problem with that thinking is not a one of them or we are actually worthy enough if we use the lack of sin as a standard. Self-righteousness is one of those ill-gotten behaviors.  Instead it would make far more sense to consider the story of the pearl of great value, since our Lord uses the pearl here.

Matt 13:45-46

45 "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value , he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

NIV

As we have found this fine pearl, the kingdom of heaven, we should certainly share the gospel message with others, however it would seem Jesus is saying there are those who would trample the message and then turn on us and persecute us because of our faith. How are we to know who are the dogs and the swine? Certainly it would seem as we encounter certain individuals who reject the message, saying things like, “Your argument has no value, because I do not believe in God”. “That is alright for you, but I believe the bible was written by men, so it has no meaning” or some other form of rejection of the truth of God. Why then should we continue to cast our pearls before them? No, it is time to shake the dust off our feet and leave them to their own thinking. That sounds like we are not very merciful or compassionate to let them perish, to not continue to try to reason with them until they see the truth. But the point is there are people who would trample the message of the kingdom of heaven under foot and never ever see the truth as they have rejected the conviction of the Holy Spirit, they reject anything we would say as well. They have condemned themselves by this rejection. We cannot make anyone believe, it is up to the Spirit. So, there are some who we need to leave alone, keeping silent in their presence regarding the kingdom. We still can add our thoughts to a conversation, but we should not cast our pearls before them. They reject anything we have to say as valid regarding the bible or God. It is that simple, just let them be in that case.