March 5, 2014 (Deuteronomy 1-2; Mark 12)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Jesus also taught: “Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.” Mark 12:38 NLT
Observation: Jesus openly exposed the religious leader’s impure motives. Their ministry had become an employment opportunity rather than a labor of love. Their success was measured by how large an offering was taken up. Since Jesus was not interested in making Himself a name among the religious elite He was completely free to preach the absolute truth. Jesus was not hindered by a self-centered hunger and thirst for others respect, or their money. His ministry was not about him, it was all about the Fathers will. Confronting the leaders of religious law and exposing their hypocrisy was absolutely necessary. In doing this God was actually extending grace to the spiritually blind through Jesus Christ. Its obvious God was certainly doing a work in the heart of one of the religious leaders when he was prompted to ask Jesus what the greatest commandment was.
Application: What is the purpose of your ministry? How do you measure your success? Do you act more spiritual when you’re at church or around other believers? Do you hunger and thirst for the approval of men? The truthful answers to these questions can easily expose a hypocrite. But if exposed, what would you do? Would you repent and turn from your self-centered ways? Would you give up the praise of men to gain the approval of God? Are you willing to become a nobody in the world’s eyes in order to be everything God has called you to be? Do you have the freedom to preach the absolute truth like Jesus did, or are you bound by your own selfish needs? Are you content to work behind the scenes and accomplish God’s will, or must everything you do be seen by others? When it comes to being a Christian, are you a hypocrite?
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me be sincere in all my dealings. Let my desire to be pleasing in Your sight overrule my desires to be praised by men. Keep my eyes clearly focused and remind me often it’s not about me, it’s ALL about You. Thank You for the mercy and grace You have given us through Your son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus name, Amen!