Not the Messenger, but the Message
'Is not this Joseph's Son?' It was thus the Nazarites reasoned after they had listened, and even 'wondered at the gracious words' which proceeded out of the mouth of Christ. And in thus reasoning they grieved away the Spirit, darkened their own understanding, and rejected the gracious message sent to save them. Instead of looking to the message, they looked to the messenger. By what authority could Joseph's Son instruct them? Was He not one of them? and had they not known Him from His youth? and was it not the height of presumption for Him thus to teach them, and claim for Himself the Messiahship? These were the questions implied by their query. How often to-day do we look at the humble instrument instead of the message he bears. The truth may fall from his lips in burning fire, and conscience may be awakened. Then Satan presents to us the messenger. We hear the oddity of his speech, the peculiar construction of his language; we see the antiqueness of his clothing; and, withal, we remember his humble parentage and humble station. Can God speak through such a man? rings in our ears. 'Is not this Joseph's son?'—Yea, it may be Joseph's son indeed, but there may come to us through his instrumentality a message which will prove the savor of life unto life or the savor of death unto death. Let us take heed how we hear, and how we judge. The messenger may be of clay, but the message may be the words of life from the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.