Post by Woody Williams on Oct 30, 2005 7:32:23 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Matthew 23:1-12
----------
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 'The scribes and
the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach
you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise
what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay
them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to
lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by
others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes
long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best
seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the
market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to
be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-the one
in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one
instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant.
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble
themselves will be exalted.
Devotional
----------
Jesus condemns the saying you often hear parents or others say,
"don't do what I do, do what I say." Jesus chided the Pharisees
saying that they were an example of this saying. They know and teach
God's law, but have a hard time living it, because their lives were
too often lived out of pride and not love and humility. Their
spirituality became a weapon against people and not a container for
love and service. It is hard to "walk the talk", but Jesus says,
"try." Even when you fail, God will continue to love you.
Prayer
------------------
Dear God, open my eyes to see the path to which you call me to live out
my faith. Amen
----------
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, 'The scribes and
the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach
you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise
what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay
them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to
lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by
others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes
long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best
seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the
market-places, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to
be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students.
And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-the one
in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one
instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant.
All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble
themselves will be exalted.
Devotional
----------
Jesus condemns the saying you often hear parents or others say,
"don't do what I do, do what I say." Jesus chided the Pharisees
saying that they were an example of this saying. They know and teach
God's law, but have a hard time living it, because their lives were
too often lived out of pride and not love and humility. Their
spirituality became a weapon against people and not a container for
love and service. It is hard to "walk the talk", but Jesus says,
"try." Even when you fail, God will continue to love you.
Prayer
------------------
Dear God, open my eyes to see the path to which you call me to live out
my faith. Amen