Page 54 - Living Light 89

Wednesday July 30 - Bad intentions
But Jesus knew their hypocrisy. “Why are you trying to trap me?” he asked. Mark12:15
As we saw yesterday, many of the leaders at the time of Jesus fell well short of the expected behaviour for people in their position. They were quite shameless about this and knew deep down that they were hypocrites, as shown by their actions. They attempted to deflect attention from this by trying to trap Jesus, firstly over the issue of paying taxes to the Romans and secondly with a theological question regarding marriage and the afterlife. In both cases, they attempted to diminish Jesus and hence justify themselves. They failed.
Jesus sets a high standard. There are many who don’t even attempt to emulate him in thought and deed, but instead just try to justify themselves. Jesus gives an example (in Luke 18:9-14) of the Pharisee and the tax collector, the former saying, “I thank you that I am not like other people”, while the latter acknowledges himself as a sinner. God naturally favoured the tax collector! We can do no better than by emulating this man: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Otherwise, we can end up like those whom Jesus condemned (in Matthew 7:3-5), who were so happy to judge others: “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Let’s tread carefully!
Father in heaven, help me to take Jesus as my model for behaviour at all times. Amen.
Thursday July 31 - Bad consequences
As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law... These men will be punished most severely.” Mark 12:38-40
Yes, there are consequences for deliberately opposing God’s teachings and commands. There are always consequences. Think of Achan, in Joshua 7. The Israelites were commanded to dedicate all the spoils of conquered Jericho to the Lord. But Achan ‘took some of them’ (Joshua 7:1) and the consequences were dire for Israel, as the Lord’s anger burned against them. The point is that those who have been given authority in God’s kingdom have an awesome responsibility. If there is deliberate disobedience, then the consequences can fall not just on themselves, but on others for whom they have responsibility.
This is a warning to all of us who are in such a position. But it also can be an opportunity for self-examination. Now may be a good time to evaluate all that God has given you to do that involves others. This is not just for those who are called to be pastors or teachers, but also for those who have responsibilities for physical and spiritual families. Do you have children or other dependents, even ageing parents? Do we mentor or care for others? Are we really doing the best for those around us? Am I functioning out of my love for God and my neighbour? This could be more than just a useful exercise; it could be life-changing.
Father in heaven, help me to decide whether I am really doing my best for others. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
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PRAYER FOR TODAY