February 15 Does the Emperor Really Have New Clothes? Matthew 7:15
Good morning from Pastor Glen Brock, Baptist Tabernacle Church, Wendell, North Carolina… “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)
When I was a boy, I remember reading the “Tale” of the “Emperor’s New Clothes,” and I was amazed that people within the Emperor’s Court and in the Land were so mesmerized by the King that they simply went along with the idea that the King had on some marvelous new clothing, while, in reality, he was completely naked! This Example may explain the obvious display of arrogant ignorance that is spreading across our land. "How well Your Majesty's new clothes look. Aren't they becoming!" He heard on all sides, "That pattern, so perfect! Those colors, so suitable! It is a magnificent outfit." Then the minister of public processions announced: "Your Majesty's canopy is waiting outside." "Well, I'm supposed to be ready," the Emperor said, and turned again for one last look in the mirror. "It is a remarkable fit, isn't it?" He seemed to regard his costume with the greatest interest. The noblemen who were to carry his train stooped low and reached for the floor as if they were picking up his mantle. Then they pretended to lift and hold it high. They didn't dare admit they had nothing to hold. So off went the Emperor in procession under his splendid canopy. Everyone in the streets and the windows said, "Oh, how fine are the Emperor's new clothes! Don't they fit him to perfection? And see his long train!" Nobody would confess that he couldn't see anything, for that would prove him either unfit for his position, or a fool. No costume the Emperor had worn before was ever such a complete success. "But he hasn't got anything on," a little child said. "Did you ever hear such innocent prattle?" said its father. And one person whispered to another what the child had said, "He hasn't anything on. A child says he hasn't anything on." "But he hasn't got anything on!" the whole town cried out at last. The Emperor shivered, for he suspected they were right. But he thought, "This procession has got to go on." So he walked more proudly than ever, as his noblemen held high the train that wasn't there at all. (Hans Christian Andersen April 07, 1837) Is it possible that we become so conditioned to the ridiculous activities of this Evil and Deceptive World that we refuse to see the “Reality” of Sin? I have attempted to understand the wholesale suspension of Basic Common Sense and the complete lack of Individual Spiritual Integrity, even among those who publically proclaim their status as believers. Today, more than any other time in my life, I recognize the Deceptions of the Devil and the “Lemming” type following of the masses towards the Evil that he has used as a trap. Folks, just because individuals follow a path to destruction, does not mean that we must follow that pattern. It was a little child that spoke out…”He is naked!” The true reality of 21st Century life is clear and plain…We must follow Christ and be grounded and founded in His Word and guided by the Holy Spirit! There are so many, right now, today; that refuse to see the reality and are following a LIE! Matthew 18:2-4 tells us, “Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Please do not allow anyone or any group deceive you into believing that the “Emperor actually has on clothes!!” We must return to that “Child-like Faith” to navigate through these, ever deteriorating worldly conditions, and claim His Power, Provision, and His Eternal Presence! Stay Strong, Stay Focused…THE BEST IS YET TO BE!