Father, I know I shouldn’t be but I am repeatedly astounded by Your interaction with me! This morning I had to be up extraordinarily early (4:00 am!) and You have consistently been faithful in waking me for years. As I settled into sleep last night it crossed my mind to set the alarm on my phone, I struggled a little bit but realized You are faithful… and You were, of course! Thank You, Father!
Matthew 15:12-14 (<<click the green)
One of the many things to admire about Jesus is the fact he knew people – I mean he really knew people. We think we can hide behind our facades – and it may work with others – but not with Him. When we read the Gospels we never – absolutely not one instance – never do we see Jesus get in the face of “sinners” as the Pharisees liked to call them. He has never met a “sinner” he didn’t like…uh, scratch that…He has never met a “sinner” he didn’t unconditionally love and adore to the uttermost! He sees right through to the very core of our being.
…and that’s why He didn’t indulge the flapping jaws of the “religious” leaders. When his disciples asked Him, “Do you realize you offended the Pharisees by what you just said?” He replied, “Every plant not planted by my heavenly Father will be uprooted, so ignore them. They are blind guides leading the blind, and if one blind person guides another, they will both fall into a ditch.”
“…ignore them…” That’s pretty straight and to the point!
Lord Jesus, I pray that I could be more like You. You reached out in compassion to those who so desperately needed Your love. And You were quick to set straight those who knew better and were out of line. You. We tiptoe around what too many cantankerous folks, coddling them instead of correcting them. And we are fearful of speaking to the lost who so urgently need to hear of You and Your salvation. May I follow the example of my Master. Amen.
May 21st, 2018, Mon, 9:45 am
