Matthew 23-12.20.22

Scripture

Matthew 23:23-24

“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Observation

Throughout Matthew 23, Jesus is calling out the Pharisees for their hypocrisy. They knew the law, and they strictly followed it, but they didn’t let it permeate their hearts. They followed rules for rules sake and to look holy, not for the sake of God or other people or to BE holy. Jesus said listen to them, for they know the law, but do not be like them.

Understanding

I was recently listening to a discussion on nativity displays. It was mentioned that Christians are upset when nativity scenes and other Christian symbols are removed from public spaces under the separation of church and state argument. The speaker made a great point. He was not arguing against nativity scenes or other symbols, but he said, “People should be able to tell we are Christ followers by our words and actions, not by the symbols we display. If we are not acting out our faith, then we are simply arguing to maintain a culture, not a faith.”

Life Application

I, like the Pharisees, have a tendency to focus on the rules. It’s easier to check the boxes – read my bible – check, paid my tithe – check. Sat in God’s presence and let Him speak to my heart? Gave to someone generously, beyond what was required?

Lord, may I be someone who shines Your light, someone who lives in a way that makes people want to know You. Forgive me for the times I only go through the motions. Fill me with your presence.

-Debbie Dunn

Psalm 138-12.19.22

Scripture

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭138‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT

“Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will protect me from the anger of my enemies. You reach out your hand, and the power of your right hand saves me.”

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Observation-What does it say?

This is a psalm of David. David is writing this psalm in the midst of the trials he is facing. In this psalm, David still gives his praise and honor to God for God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, unfailing love, protection, and God’s willingness to hear and answer his prayers. David knows of God’s goodness and greatness. He has witnessed God’s amazing power firsthand. He knows that soon all the kings of the world will give God the praise and thanks He deserves because the glory of God is great.

Understanding-What does it mean?

Just because we are Christians, doesn’t mean we are exempt from life’s troubles.

Whether I am reading the Bible about David, or more recently, reading about Job; one thing is for sure, life is filled with trials and troubles. Just because we choose to follow God and live godly lives doesn’t mean our lives are going to be peachy clean from that moment on. On the contrary, the Bible tells us that the rain falls on the just and the unjust-(Matt. 5:45). Meaning, that troubles are going to hit everyone in life. Jesus actually warns his followers that troubles will surely come to them:

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭

God did not remove life’s troubles from Job or David. God may not even remove some of life’s troubles we are facing. But does that mean God isn’t with us, or that He isn’t listening to our prayers? Absolutely not! You see, there will be times when we cry out to God and He delivers us from trouble. But more often than not, God will allow us to go through those trials and troubles. It isn’t because He has abandoned us. In actuality, God is right there, standing alongside with us, giving us the faith, strength, and courage to endure through it. It kind of reminds me of taking my kids to the doctor or dentist. Sure they don’t want to go and go through with it. But as their father I know that it will be good for them. It will help them in the long run. What more of our Heavenly Father who is perfect? He sees our hurts. He knows our concerns. Even though He may not take them away from us, He is standing there with us, holding our hands every step of the way. He is refining us, molding us into the people He has called us to be. So are you facing life’s troubles today? Take heart! Know that God is with you. Know that He took on human form in Jesus, and went through everything we are going through and more! Know that Jesus overcame it, and so can you!

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”-Romans‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭

Life Application

‬‬Courage under fire.

There is a saying that you could really see a person’s true character when life’s struggles and troubles come their way. What more for a Christian? They already have all eyes on them. They have other people watching and waiting to see how they respond when certain situations start coming their way. They have people who are just waiting to pounce on them the moment they slip, just to say, “Ah Ha! You hypocrite!” Let’s not give them that chance. Let them see our faith. Let them see our love. Let our actions speak to them in a way that points them to Jesus. May they see the strength and confidence we have in our God no matter what life throws at us.

-Moses Gaddi

Matthew 21 - 12.16.22

Scripture

Matthew21:5

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them.

Observation – What does it say?

Jesus commanded his disciples to run an errand into town and they obeyed.

Understanding – What does it mean?

The nature of a disciple is to obey the one they are a disciple of. I cannot call myself a disciple of Jesus yet refuse to obey his instructions. I don’t have the option to obey certain commands I like and that feel easy and to disregard others that don’t feel convenient.

The kingdom belongs to the obedient, not those who merely offer lip service.

In this same chapter, Jesus told a parable in which he commended the son who obeyed his Father as opposed to the one who said he would obey and didn’t. Then later he told the Pharisees that the kingdom would be taken from them because they refused to obey, and given to others who would obey and produce kingdom fruit. We are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. But faith looks like something. Namely, obedience.

Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Life Application

God, please show me the areas and times I disregard your commands. I don’t just want to call you my Lord, but I want my actions to reflect it. May I not be like the fig tree that was cursed because it didn’t have the fruit you expected it to have. Make me, and make your church a people who it would be said of that, “they went and did as Jesus had instructed them.” Amen.

-Levi Thompson