A Great Moral Blunder
The nation of Israel's rejection of Jesus is the greatest moral blunder in history, and Christians must avoid blaming others and instead acknowledge their own spiritual light and benefits.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the tragic moral failure of the nation of Israel in failing to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, despite their unique covenant with God. He points out that this rejection represents the greatest moral blunder in history, as Jesus came to His own people and was not received. Tozer warns against Christians who blame the Jews for this rejection, highlighting that they possess spiritual insights and benefits that the Jews did not have. He calls for self-reflection among believers, urging them to acknowledge their own responsibilities rather than casting blame. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to fully embrace the resources of God and recognize their own spiritual state.
Text
Of all the people on the earth, the nation of Israel surely was the best prepared to receive the Christ of God. The children of Abraham, they were called to be a chosen people in an everlasting covenant with God, the Father. Yet they failed to recognize Jesus as Messiah and Lord. There is no doubt that theirs was the greatest moral blunder in the history of mankind. He came to His own people and they rejected Him! Jesus taught frankly that He was asking His followers to throw themselves out on the resources of God. For the multitude, He was asking too much.
He had come from God but they received Him not!
It seems to be a comfort to some Christians to sit back and blame and belabor the Jews, refusing to acknowledge that they have information and benefits and spiritual light that the Jews never had. It is surely wrong for us to try to comfort our own carnal hearts by any emphasis that Israel rejected Him. If we do that, we only rebuild the sepulchers of our fathers as Jesus said!
Sermon Outline
- The Nation of Israel's Preparation
- The Greatest Moral Blunder
- A Lesson for Christians
- Called to be a chosen people
- In an everlasting covenant with God
- Failure to recognize Jesus as Messiah and Lord
- Consequences of rejection
- Avoid blaming others for our own shortcomings
- Acknowledge our own spiritual light and benefits
Key Quotes
“He came to His own people and they rejected Him!” — A.W. Tozer
“It seems to be a comfort to some Christians to sit back and blame and belabor the Jews, refusing to acknowledge that they have information and benefits and spiritual light that the Jews never had.” — A.W. Tozer
“If we do that, we only rebuild the sepulchers of our fathers as Jesus said!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- Christians should avoid blaming others for their own shortcomings and instead take responsibility for their own spiritual growth.
- We should trust in God's resources and provision, rather than relying on our own strength and abilities.
- Acknowledging our own spiritual light and benefits can help us avoid self-justification and carnal hearts.