Forceful Condemnations

 

 Matthew 23: 23-26

Blind Guides

²³ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. ²⁴ You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

²⁵ “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. ²⁶ Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

The list of woes and condemnations continues in these three explosive verses. How do I react when I hear these woes addressed to ME?  Have I neglected justice, mercy and faithfulness? Am I misleading others? What is inside my cup? Greed and self-indulgence?  Even if some of these condemnations might seem exaggerated in my case, there are areas in my life I can clean up. Pray for honesty, courage and perseverance. They never go out of style.

Bro. Rene

Dear God, help me to face my shortcomings and with your help, overcome them. Amen.