Life of Christ #096 Apostles Warned
Matthew 10:16-33
Life of Christ #097 Conflict And Sacrifice
Matthew 10:34-39
Life of Christ #098 Receiving Apostles
Matthew 10:40-42
SHOUT IT FROM THE HOUSETOPS
"What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops." Matthew 10:27
Familiar scripture must be read more closely; unfamiliar scripture must be read. Both the familiar and unfamiliar may be the same scripture.
The Bible is one amazing, fascinating book! Many of the Maxims, idioms used today came from scripture.
Shout it from the housetops. We all know this one! However, we don't know where it is. We don't know the darkness/light part. We didn't know the ear was there. We don't know to whom Jesus spoke this nor why. Why not read the whole paragraph, the entire chapter!
The context is vital to the text.
"Shout it from the housetops" means:
(1) The significance, vital importance, urgency of the message. It is a gospel; it is a warning! Paul was a debtor to all sinners to preach the whole gospel. Has the church lost its mission? urgency? Has the familiar now brought contempt. Do we care that our neighbors, families, friends, enemies are lost?
(2) Public not selfish. We don't vote on those who respond. We do vote upon those we invite, want. Housetops are public. Get out your megaphone.
"Whosoever will may come; whosoever will may go." The church is not a sectarian, exclusive, private club.
(3) Hearts not mouths only. Housetops demand personal involvement. We want all to know who we are and to whom we belong. We want all to know the intensity/commitment of our message. This message has become my message.
(4) A warning to Satan, evil, temptation. Housetops imply a stand, a conviction. God has not abandoned the sinful, hurting, outcast, poor! I am on God's side! Leave Satan and climb on up!
SHOUT IT FROM THE HOUSETOPS!
