Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Do you think it’s good to be religious?
I did until listening to our current series, Losing My Religion. This past weekend, Andy continued teaching on the Seven Sorrows found in Matthew 23. Today we’ll unpack Sorrow #3 found in Matthew 23:16-22.
Matthew 23:16-17
16 “Blind guides! What sorrow awaits you! For you say that it means nothing to swear ‘by God’s Temple,’ but that it is binding to swear ‘by the gold in the Temple.’ 17 Blind fools! Which is more important—the gold or the Temple that makes the gold sacred?”
In these verses, Jesus referred to blind guides and blind fools, but who was he actually referring to? Jesus was most likely alluding to the scribes and Pharisees. However, at the beginning and the end of Matthew 23, he referred to them directly, so why did he choose to use these terms instead? It leads me to believe he’s purposely referring to anyone who says or acts according to these idiotic practices. Following these rules has nothing to do with following God.
The scribes and Pharisees would also swear on material things but failed to see where these things got their value.
Matthew 23:18-19
18 “And you say that to swear ‘by the altar’ is not binding, but to swear ‘by the gifts on the altar’ is binding. 19 How blind! For which is more important—the gift on the altar or the altar that makes the gift sacred?”
The Pharisees’ concern with wealth revealed their priorities. They had completely failed to know or recognize God. They were consumed with swearing on gold, which gets its value from the Temple; on sacrificial gifts, which get their value from the altar; and on heaven, which gets its value from God who lives there. Because they were so disconnected from God, their oaths were empty.
Are you trying to measure up to what religious people think?
Realize that no one measures up! Trust the fact that Jesus died for our sins, and he measured up for all who follow him. After this realization, see if your inner thoughts change to those of peace and happiness. Know that you can lose your religion by being honest about you.
Questions:
What is your priority? Are you more concerned with status and things or dwelling in God’s presence?
After listening to the teachings in this series, do you think it’s good to be religious?
Next Steps:
Take time this week to do some introspection. Look at your behavior. Where are you trying to measure up?
Prayer:
Dear Abba Father, I am humbled by your many blessings that you grant to me and the grace you offer me every day. Thank you for sending your Son who measured up and died so I can measure up as well. Help me to seize opportunities to tell others about the life-changing adventure that I am on and how it has changed my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 6:14
Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
This post was written by Jenn Macke, a regular contributor of the LivingItOut Devotional.