When I taught a grammar class for Junior High students in West Virginia, I had to brush up on my English. This morning as I was listening to a sermon, I was reminded of the power of words like therefore. However, there is one word used over and over in the Bible. This is one word God doesn’t want to hear, but is used as a disclaimer or an excuse to sin.
The word BUT eliminates every thing said at the beginning of a sentence. But nullifies any positive statement, turning the attention toward imperfections and the negative. In the Old Testament, there are several passages which illustrate this truth. In Deuteronomy 30:17, Moses uses but if, to warn Israel about being disobedient. Joshua 23:12-13 serves as a similar reminder, as Joshua steps down as Israel’s leader.
Meanwhile, Samson uses but to convince his parents to allow him to marry a Philistine, Judges 13:3. The author of 2 Samuel uses the term but to indicate David was being idle, not where he was suppose to be, 2 Samuel 11:1. The term but is also used to highlight Samuel’s sons, whom chose corruption over justice, 1 Samuel 8:3. Unfortunately, when individuals use the word but, it often is in the context of disobedience. Few get a second chance like Jonah in chapter 3. Therefore, the next time an opportunity presents itself, the words God wants to hear are like Isaiah 6, “hear I am Lord, send me!”
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 