What’s the buzz v24n16

What’s the buzz?

V24 n16

Definition for buzz: a constant humming noise, as of bees: a confused or blended murmur, as of many voices: a whispered report or rumor: to spread secretly, as gossip.

In this country, there is a saying that asks a person, what the buzz is. Often times it is referring to what is the local gossip or buzz concerning a certain person, place or thing. Paul tells us that in the world there are many voices, <1Cor 14:10> and they all have meaning or purpose. The thing that most people forget, that there are only two purposes that are able to be brought forth, when one speaks or vocalizes anything, and that is either life or death <Pro 18:21>, blessing or curse, there is no middle ground.

In the world there are many voices, whether it be of language, opinions, ideas or values, and each presents their own perspective and ideas based on the individuals knowledge, upbringing and learning. Yet, what so few comprehend, is that there is but one voice of God. The Word is quite clear to tell us, that He stands at the door and knocks <Rev 3:20>, and that if any man will hear His voice, and open the door of their heart to Him, that He will come in, and with Him bring all of the provisions needed to feed and sustain our spiritual being <Mt 6:11>.

Have you ever stopped to consider what the rumors or buzz that were around concerning Jesus Christ of Nazareth, while He walked here on this earth?

Matthew 11:19, The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children. KJV

But wisdom is justified of her children.] Whatever measures the followers of God may take, they will not escape the censure of the world: the best way is not to be concerned at them. Iniquity, being always ready to oppose and contradict the divine conduct, often contradicts and exposes itself. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

How easy is it for one to get caught up, or taken in by whatever the buzz or gossip is, if one is not grounded in the Word of truth? Have you not heard, that all those who live a Godly life in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution?

Matthew 9:34, But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils. KJV

How often is it, that one will criticize that which they do not understand?

It is a consummate piece of malice to attribute the works of God to the Devil. Envy cannot suffer the approbation which is given to the excellencies of others. Those whose hearts are possessed by this vice speak the very language of the Devil. Calumny (defamation, slander) is but a little distance from envy. Though all persons may not have as much envy as the Pharisee, yet they should fear having some degree of it, as all have the principle from whence it proceeds, namely sin. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

How often is it that one will follow the lead of the crowd? Would you have agreed with the religious leaders in bringing these accusations against Jesus Christ?

Mark 3:21, And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself. KJV

[They said, He is beside himself.] It was the enemies of Christ that raised this report; and his relatives, probably thinking that it was true, went to confine him. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

The [friends] who became concerned were actually members of Jesus' family, which is the normal connotation of the Greek phrase, [hoi par' autou]. It seems that word came to his mother and brothers in Nazareth concerning his ceaseless activity. Their purpose was to lay hold on Christ and take him with them by force, because they felt that he was overwrought and mentally disturbed. (from Wycliffe Commentary)

How often does one act on another’s opinions, rather then knowing the truth of God’s Word for themselves? Would you have followed the crowd in these accusations? Would you have believed the whispered rumors?

For those of you that are familiar with computers, you know what happens when a virus gets within the computer, and the damage that can be done. This is the exact same way that rumors and gossip work. They may seem harmless at first glance, but once allowed to settle within the computer, then they begin to grow and cause damage.

John 7:20, The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? KJV

They could not suppose that any person desired to put him to death for healing a diseased man; and therefore, in their brutish manner, they say, Thou hast a demon-- thou art beside thyself, and slanderest the people, for none of them desires to put thee to death.

It serves to show the malice of his enemies in a still stronger light: for, fearing lest their wish to put him to death might not be gratified, and that his teaching should prevail among the common people; to ruin his credit, and prevent his usefulness, they give out that he was possessed by a demon; and that, though he might be pitied as a miserable man, yet he must not be attended to as a teacher of righteousness. Malice and envy are ever active and indefatigable, leaving no stone unturned, no mean unused, that they may ruin the object of their resentment. (from Adam Clarke Commentary)

John 8:48, 52-53, Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? KJV

Their reasoning, and the color they had to run him down thus. In short, they look upon him as guilty of an insufferable piece of arrogance, in making himself greater than Abraham and the prophets: Abraham is dead, and the prophets, they are dead too; very true, by the same token that these Jews were the genuine offspring of those that killed them. (from Matthew Henry's Commentary)

Have you ever tried to concentrate on a given task, while you had a bee or a fly buzzing around your ear? Did you find it hard to concentrate and maintain your focus?

What happens in the spiritual realm, when one allows gossip, rumors and innuendos to impair their hearing? As we can see from the scriptures today, that many of the people allowed the local buzz or gossip to influence their decisions. Whether it was family, friends, or the religious leaders, they found reason to find excuses to not hear and obey the very Messiah sent by God. It is only the truth of God’s Word that can set us free, and keep us free, if we continue in it. This is why one must study for God’s approval, taking the time to rightly divide the Word of truth, so that you will never be ashamed when you stand before Him.

Paul tells us that one must maintain their focus in and on the mark of the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. This is what the Christian should be pressing or striving for. One cannot listen to the buzz of the crowd if they want to maintain their course on the strait and narrow path. Today, are you sure of what or whose voice you are listening to?

That you may know Him,

In the service of Jesus Christ.

Larry Gazelka J