Wrong Impressions

A story was told of a group of natives who were clearing a hill slope and cutting down trees to plant vegetation. From another hill, a group of farmers were observing the natives from afar and said to themselves : "The natives must be expecting a hard winter, they are chopping down trees for firewood. We should strengthen our barns and do up our roofs to prepare for the worst." Meanwhile, the natives on seeing that the neighbouring farmers were busy doing their thing said this amongst themselves : "The white men must be expecting a hard winter, we better cut down more trees for firewood." Winter came and it was such a mild one and both side wondered what went wrong ? This was the result of "Wrong Impressions".

In Joshua 22 : 10 - 34, we read about another episode of wrong first impressions. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh had built an altar near the Jordan. When the other tribes learned about this, they were enraged because God had commanded that he alone be worshiped and that sacrifices be performed only in the tabernacle. They saw the building of this altar as an act of apostasy. Fortunately, Phinehas the priest led a delegation to find out why they had built the altar. They were told that it was a memorial of unity for all the tribes under one God of Israel.

Even the Lord Jesus had people who has wrong impressions of Him. He came as One Who served but the Israelites were looking for the Messiah who would come as King ! So, until today, the Jews are still looking for the Messiah Who will deliver them when in actual fact, Messiah has come two thousand years ago, and the next time Jesus comes would be His second coming to set up His Millenial Reign on earth.

Too often, our first impressions of people can be very wrong. I remember the first time when I was appointed as Cell Leader, the first impression others have of me was : "This guy must be Pastor's favourite, etc.." and I was accused of so many other malicious things. Our own pride and prejudices often lead us to have wrong impressions of others. May we not judge "the book by its cover" but give others the benefit of doubt. For those who have been misunderstood, may I encourage you that you are not alone, and the LORD will always vindicate us. I know as I have been vindicated many times before and the LORD has moved me from Cell Leader to Zone Leader to Church Council member. To God Be All the Glory !