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Matthew 10:14 – There’s Time for Dusty Shoes
There’s a Time for Dusty Shoes
The following is a Facebook discussion and the whole conversation is nonsensical. Stick with me and we can learn valuable lessons from the nonsense (all names removed to protect the innocent and the guilty).
THEM – “If you are friends with (name removed by me), you need to block him or unfriend him because he is a false teacher.”
THEM – “I hate to say this, but he is emotionally unstable too.”
(PAUSE – If you hate saying something because it is ugly, then don’t say it!)
THEM – “Blah, blah, blah.” (That’s not an exact quote!)
(PAUSE – Because I knew this person as a friend and admitted he had fallen into false doctrine, this is where I jumped into the discussion hoping to help.)
ME – “I baptized him. I am still trying to reach out to study if he is willing. So pray for him. I fInd little use in unfriending or blocking those that need friendship and teaching.”
HIM – “Perry Hall, I think that’s what Jesus said to do and Paul!”
(PAUSE – Did he mean Jesus would unfriend him, or block him? Or did Jesus mean He would travel far away to teach him? His comment was unclear to me.)
ME – ” Because I did not dust off my sandals (Matthew 10:14), he no longer holds to that false doctrine.”
HIM – “Perry Hall, so Jesus was wrong?”
ME – “What do you think I am saying?”
HIM – “What do you think I am saying?”
(PAUSE – How do you think the conversation is progressing so far!)
HIM – “It seems that you are denying the words of Jesus.”
(PAUSE – Does it sound like he’s trying to have a conversation or just be ornery? )
ME – “Please explain.”
HIM – “Do you believe that there comes a time to ‘shake the dust off our feet’?”
ME – “Yes, when they are not willing to listen. There is also a time to go back if they are willing to listen.”
HIM – “And who determines that?”
ME – “The one who decides to start listening. Agreed?”
HIM – “No!”
ME – “Then no second chances?”
HIM – “Who said no second chances?”
STOP – Anyone have any idea what he meant? I don’t and I was “there”!
This discussion displays several common problematic issues.
1. Some people “appear” to enjoy arguing.
2. Some people “appear” to purposely be unclear or vague so as to not be pinned down.
3. Some people “appear” to show less grace than Jesus; while claiming Him to be our Savior, even quoting Him.
Looking back at this exchange, I don’t think it displays the futility of discussing serious topics on Facebook. That’s because all his ambiguity and argumentation have been experienced face to face.
Here are some more essential lessons:
1. Jesus became The WORD, indicating He came to explain God.
2. Jesus became the Son of Man so He could keep offering His blood for our redemption.
3. Jesus became our example that if someone is willing to listen, don’t shake the dust off your sandals. If not, then move on.
Are we willing to listen? Are we willing to continue to talk? Are we willing to be given a second chance? Are we willing to give what has been given to us? If so, Jesus will not abandon us and we shouldn’t abandon others.
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