Parables

When I think of parables, I think of Jesus speaking to the people during his ministry. What I did not realize was references to parables in the Old Testament occur 17 times. Seven of these are used up in the story of Balaam and Balak in Numbers 23 and 24. Balaam, for all of his error, could not speak out against God’s chosen.

The last Old Testament reference is in Habakkuk following a vision given, for an appointed time, where is said:

Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! (Habakkuk 2:6 KJV)

In the New Testament, Christ often explained his parables – when His disciples let Him know they did not understand what He was getting at. Can you imagine walking with Him daily and still having to ask? Why not, we do it all the time.

I also think about walking with Him in His home. Saying aloud, “So that’s what that meant!” Imagine for a moment the fullness of understanding that will be available to us.

But we can’t wait until then, any more than the Pharisees should have when Jesus said:

But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Matthew 9:13 KJV)

As they, we must go and learn about the meaning of His words.

There are many who are willing to tell us. Unfortunately, some are wolves in sheep’s clothing.

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (Matthew 7:15 KJV)

No – I don’t think we’re suppose to flee from preachers wearing wool! But we do need to flee from those who preach false doctrine. How many times have we heard, seen or read that the Bible is a collection of myths and fables. That it cannot be true, it preaches violence and hate, but some of its principles are good to live by? We were warned about that.

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (2 Timothy 4:3-4 KJV)

In all honesty, I have not been called to tell anyone which is right or which is wrong. God has that information for all of us when we spend time in prayer with His word. God grant that we may understand Christ’s doctrine, taught with authority. Look for the doctrine in His words.

And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. (Matthew 7:28-29 KJV)

“Good Shepherd” by Philippe de Champaigne (1602-1674)