“TAKE HEED” (Part II)

The term “take heed” appears 28 times in the New Testament (KJV); it is expressed in three different Greek words - “prosecho,” “horao” and “blepo.” Although there are slight nuances in emphasis, the King James translators rightly used the words, “take heed” in their translation.

“Take heed (“prosecho”) that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 6: 1).

This is the first appearance of “take heed” in the New Testament. Literally, it implies “to hold the mind” or “to pay attention to.” In this context, Jesus cautioned His disciples against vaunting their deeds of kindness towards the poor and needy. Our Lord saw through the “kind” acts of the religious leaders who gave “to be seen” of men: “Verily I say unto you, They have their reward” (v. 2). Such deeds might outwardly attract the praises and accolades of men, but before the All-seeing God, their supposedly benevolent efforts amounted to nothing but sheer hypocrisy: “ … ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” “If he gives alms to the poor, he has his penny in one hand, but his other hand is holding to his mouth a trumpet, so that he may blow it at the corner of the street that everybody may know how generous he is. He spoils all that he does because his soul is lifted up with pride, which warps his whole life” – Spurgeon.

The lesson is clear. Let our acts of kindness be done sincerely and secretly: “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret Himself shall reward thee openly” (vv. 3-4).

“And he said unto them, Take heed (“horao”), and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth” (Luke 12: 15).

The Greek form, “horao” means “to stare at,” or by implication, “to discern clearly.” Note Jesus’ double caution “take heed, and beware.” This tells us of our depraved heart’s inclination to this deceitful sin, and the severe consequences.

Jesus spoke these words when a man asked Him to settle an inheritance dispute with his brother. Knowing the covetous heart, the Lord proceeded with the parable of the rich farmer who had reaped a bountiful harvest. To store his goods, he decided to build bigger barns. In his prosperity, the rich man’s chief concern was to enjoy life’s pleasures: “And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry” (v. 19). He thought he had goods that should see him through for many years to come, but he must part from them “this night.” “But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” (v. 20). “What an awful sentence to a man who, as he thought, had got just ready to live and enjoy himself! In a single moment all his hopes were blasted, and his soul summoned to the bar of his long-forgotten God. So, many are surprised as suddenly and as unprepared. They are snatched from their pleasures, and hurried to a world where there is no pleasure, and where all their wealth cannot purchase one moment’s ease from the gnawings of the worm that never dies” – Albert Barnes.

Note that the Lord did not condemn the farmer’s industry, nor the size of his harvest. What He condemned was his disregard for God and failure to give glory to Him: “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God” (v. 21). Let us be mindful of our sinful inclination to covetousness. Let us learn to be rich toward God - rich in faith (Jas. 2: 5), rich in good works, and in the fruits of righteousness (I Tim. 6: 18).

“And He (Jesus) said unto them, Take heed (“blepo”) what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath” (Mark 4:24-25).

“Take heed” here means “to look at” (literally or figuratively), “to behold or beware.” In this discourse, the Lord Jesus was emphasising the importance of active listening. This implies not the mere act of taking in the words of our Saviour, but allowing them to impact and influence our lives. For “…with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.” The measure in which we imbibe God’s Word will be the same measure in which the Word of God will effectively etch itself in our heart. “With what measure -measured to you; the measure of sincere and earnest attention which you give to My instructions, will be the measure of knowledge which will be given back to you. If men do not improve their opportunities to obtain divine knowledge and prepare for the purity and bliss of heaven, these opportunities will soon cease, and they will be left in endless darkness and woe” – Family Bible Notes.

How do we hear God’s instructions? Are we often distracted, thinking of what we are doing to do after the meeting? Do we take heed to obey? Obedience to God’s Word will bring more blessings. The Lord promises to add to our store of godly knowledge. Disregard His word at our own peril for the Lord will take away “even that which he hath.” The end of such a one is worse than the beginning. Brethren, we have started well; we have gained much knowledge through the reading of God’s Word (DBR) and our daily devotion and communion with the Lord. Let us continue to press on. Like Solomon, let us pray for an understanding heart. May the Lord bless us with much more of His wisdom, knowledge and grace.

- Pastor