HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Luke 7:23

It is sometimes very difficult not to be offended by Jesus Christ.

The offence may be circumstantial. I find myself in a prison house — a narrow sphere, a sick chamber, an unpopular position — when I had hoped for wide and great opportunities. Yes — but He knows what is best for me. My environment is His determining. He means it to intensify my faith, to draw me into nearer communion with Himself, and to ripen my graces. In the dungeon, my soul should prosper.

The offence may be mental. I am haunted by doubts, perplexities, and questions, which I cannot solve. I had hoped that, when I gave myself to Him, my sky would always be clear; but often it is overspread by mist and clouds. Yet let me believe that, if difficulties remain, it is that I may learn to trust Him all the more implicitly — to trust and not to be afraid. Yes, and by my mental conflicts, I am trained to be a tutor to other storm-driven men.

The offence may be spiritual. Temptation and sin continue to dog my steps. I had imagined that it would be otherwise and that in His fold I should never feel the biting winds at all. But it is best as it is. His grace is magnified. My own character is mature. His Heaven is sweeter at the end of the day. There I shall look back on the turnings and trials of the way, and I shall sing the praises of my Guide.

So, let come what will come, His will is welcome, and I shall refuse to be offended in my loving Lord.