THE WRONG RING

“Then said they unto him, Say now Shibboleth: and he said Sibboleth: for he could not frame to pronounce it right. Then they took him, and slew him at the passages of Jordan: and there fell at that time of the Ephraimites forty and two thousand.”

(Jud. 12:6)

Here we have a people tested who said they were, but were not, Rev.2:2. These pseudo same-alikes had trouble with saying just one word. As a result of not being able to pronounce it right, they were found wanting.

And so it is among a great host of professing Christians today. When they pronounce the word, “LORD,” it just doesn’t come out right. But those who know Him as such can spot them. Like real crystal when tapped with a fork, it has a certain pleasant ring to it; whereas a fake crystal brings forth only a dull sound.

Paul tells us no man can call Jesus Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, 1Cor. 12:3 cp. Mk. 12:36. That is in truth, not actuality. Jesus says in the day of judgement many will say to Him, “Lord, Lord”; but his answer, says He, will be, “I never knew you.”

The question Jesus puts to all imitation saints is a very searching one, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” When acknowledging Christ’s Lordship in his life, Paul added, “What wilt thou have me to do,” Acts 9:6. True Lordship always carries with it apprenticeship!