Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:14-17

One day the disciples of John the Baptist came to Jesus and asked him, “Why don’t your disciples fast like we do and the Pharisees do?”

Jesus replied, “Do wedding guests mourn while celebrating with the groom? Of course not. But someday the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. – Matthew 9:14-15

WHY AREN’T YOU FASTING?

People were watching Jesus and his disciples closely, and they noticed that Jesus did not lead his followers in a regular routine of fasting like the religious leaders did. He was not living in the way they expected him to, so they brought their question to Jesus. Perhaps this question was asked more out of curiosity than out of challenge.

WHY WOULD WE BE FASTING?

Jesus’ answer was thought provoking. What would be the reason for fasting at this time? It was not the Day of Atonement, they were not spiritually preparing themselves for something, and they were not in mourning. Perhaps it was at that moment that John’s disciples realized that fasting had become more of a ritual than a spiritual discipline. Their religious lifestyle had become routine, and they needed fresh perspective on why they were doing what they were doing.

Now was the time for celebration. The long-awaited Messiah had arrived and they had the opportunity to listen to him teach and watch his healing power. No more anticipation of the coming king; he was there in their presence.

Jesus fasted for forty days and nights when he was led into the desert to be tempted by Satan, so we should not take from this interaction that Jesus was telling the disciples to no longer fast. What Jesus wanted the disciples to understand was that fasting was not a requirement of salvation, nor did it earn them an eternal reward. Just going through the old rituals of religion was not enough. Why fast to draw closer to God when the Son of God is standing in front of you inviting you into a relationship with him? Perhaps Jesus paused to give them a minute of contemplation before continuing with his explanation.

“Besides, who would patch old clothing with new cloth? For the new patch would shrink and rip away from the old cloth, leaving an even bigger tear than before.

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine is stored in new wineskins so that both are preserved.” – Matthew 9:16-17

It was a new day. Jesus had not come to abolish the law and the prophets but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). He was inviting John’s disciples to take the faith of their childhood and to become a follower of Christ. With the arrival of Christ came a new gospel of grace and they needed to open their minds to what Jesus was teaching them.

Are we focusing on the rituals of religion to get us to heaven, or are our rituals making us authentic disciples of Christ? Are we taking the practices of the church and using them to draw us closer to God, or have we lost sight of the reasons why we do what we do? Is our idea of God limiting our faith or allowing us to stretch and grow in our understanding of who God is and the kind of relationship He is calling us to.

Father God, we thank you for the ways in which fasting helps us to focus our attention on you. May our hearts be willing to abstain from something when you call us to those moments of surrender. And may our hearts be prepared to receive the new work that you want to do in our lives. May we not be so set in our ways of religion that we miss out on the stretching and filling that you want to do today in order to make us a new creation in Christ. Our eyes are focused on you this morning, and we ask you to overflow our cup with all that you are and a clear understanding of all that you are creating us to be. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 9:9-13

As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Matthew got up and followed him. – Matthew 9:9

Matthew was not the first person Jesus called to be his disciple. Jesus already had a group of fishermen who had left their nets and their boats to follow him. But there was something more offensive about Jesus choosing a tax collector than there was when he chose Simon Peter and the others.

Just like today, people in those times found a job that would support themselves and their families. If they were farmers, they could trade or sell their produce to others. If they were fishermen, they could take the catch of the day and trade with the farmers. If they were carpenters, they could use their talent to build homes or furniture for others in exchange for fresh eggs, woven fabric, or whatever produce that person had to offer. The people worked together for the good of both their families and the community.

But choosing to be a tax collector was different. Choosing to be a tax collector meant working with the Roman government, collecting taxes from the Jews in order to give the Romans what they demanded. Each tax collector would add on an additional amount to keep for themselves. They were known for greedily demanding more and more from their fellow Jews in order to get rich off the Roman oppression.

Later, Matthew invited Jesus and his disciples to his home as dinner guests, along with many tax collectors and other disreputable sinners. But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?” – Matthew 9:10-11

The tax collectors had given the Jewish people plenty of reason not to like them. They were considered disloyal and dishonest, and the people did not trust them. So naturally they questioned Jesus when he agreed to go to Matthew’s home to socialize with those outside the church.

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” – Matthew 9:12-13

I WANT YOU TO SHOW MERCY.

When we recognize the sin in our own life and our own need for salvation, it changes our perspective on someone else’s sin. Humility helps us to recognize that our sin is just as ugly as the sin of our brother or sister. We see that others need Jesus in the same way that we do.

Jesus is calling us to extend mercy to those who are struggling with sin. Recognize the sin of self-righteousness in ourselves and start seeing others through the eyes of Jesus. God is in pursuit of their heart and we either need to help lead them to Jesus or get out of the way. Don’t be surprised when sinners sin, instead show mercy for the sake of their salvation.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. – Colossians 3:12-15

AND ALWAYS BE THANKFUL.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! May God bless you and keep you as you seek to serve him with all of your heart, soul and mind — showing love and extending mercy to those around you.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:28-34 and 9:1-8

When Jesus arrived on the other side of the lake, in the region of the Gadarenes, two men who were possessed by demons met him. They came out of the tombs and were so violent that no one could go through that area.

They began screaming at him, “Why are you interfering with us, Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before God’s appointed time?”

There happened to be a large herd of pigs feeding in the distance. So the demons begged, “If you cast us out, send us into that herd of pigs.”

“All right, go!” Jesus commanded them. So the demons came out of the men and entered the pigs, and the whole herd plunged down the steep hillside into the lake and drowned in the water. – Matthew 8:28-32

Not only did Jesus have power over the wind and waves, Jesus had power over the demons who had been torturing these two men. The demons were bothered by the presence of Jesus and screamed out at him. They did not want the Lord to interfere with their plans. But Jesus saw beyond the violence of sin and saw two men in need of a Savior. Knowing in advance the response he would receive from the owners of the pigs, Jesus chose the freedom of the two over the popularity of the masses.

The herdsmen fled to the nearby town, telling everyone what happened to the demon-possessed men. Then the entire town came out to meet Jesus, but they begged him to go away and leave them alone. – Matthew 8:33-34

ANGER SWEPT THROUGH THE TOWN AND THEY ASKED JESUS TO LEAVE.

How would that day have been different if the townspeople had welcomed Jesus? How many among them would have experienced their own healing if they had chosen to believe rather than to push Jesus away? Opportunities were missed and bondage remained for those who were unwilling to make the sacrifice for another person’s freedom. They chose the status quo over the experience of change that Jesus could have brought about for them and their community.

Jesus climbed into a boat and went back across the lake to his own town. Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”

But some of the teachers of religious law said to themselves, “That’s blasphemy! Does he think he’s God?” – Matthew 9:1-3

SURPRISE SWEPT THROUGH THE CHURCH AND THEY CHALLENGED THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS.

When Jesus saw the man who had been brought to him, he did not see what the man was unable to do but instead saw what the man needed in order to truly be whole. Before meeting his physical needs, Jesus took the time to meet this man’s spiritual needs. But there were others in the crowd with spiritual needs, and it was time for Jesus to address those as well.

Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you have such evil thoughts in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’? So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”

And the man jumped up and went home! Fear swept through the crowd as they saw this happen. And they praised God for giving humans such authority. – Matthew 9:4-8

FEAR SWEPT THROUGH THE CROWD AND THEY RESPONDED IN PRAISE.

How often does Jesus want to perform a miracle in our midst but we chose the comfort of our routine over allowing the Spirit to take over? We have our plans and we have prepared our schedule, but perhaps Jesus wants to do something different today. And perhaps what he wants to do requires us to let go of our expectations, lift up our arms in submission, and praise the One who has authority over the storms in our life, the evil in this world, and the sin in our hearts.

Lord, we thank you for your presence in our lives. We are grateful for the freedom we experience because you were willing to die for our sins. We recognize the impact of your amazing grace and we praise you for the healing that is taking place in our midst. May we always respond to you with arms raised up and hearts wide open. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:18-27

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake.

Then one of the teachers of religious law said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go.”

But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

Another of his disciples said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

But Jesus told him, “Follow me now. Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead.” – Matthew 8:18-22

FOLLOW ME NOW.

When Jesus calls us to do something for him, he is looking for full submission and immediate obedience. Following him is not always comfortable, but it is spiritually rewarding; giving your life to the call is not always easy, but God is faithful to provide for your needs. We may not always have what we want; we may not always get to keep what we have, but Jesus is calling us to accept the cost of following him.

Jesus had instructed his disciples to cross to the other side of the lake, which meant leaving where they were and moving to the next place of ministry. There was no time for hesitation or divided devotion. If they were going to follow the call of Jesus, it required leaving the comfort of the beach and stepping into the boat.

Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.

The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!” – Matthew 8:23-27

LEARN WHO I AM.

By following Jesus across the lake, the disciples were able to gain perspective of what Jesus was capable of. Their obedience opened their eyes to who Jesus was and what he could do. They had to experience the storm in order to experience the power of Jesus. And once they arrived on the other side of the lake, they had to make a new commitment to remain on this journey of faith.

What does the boat represent for you this morning? What has it looked like for you to follow Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength? What did you have to walk away from or give up in order to be fully devoted to Jesus?

What storms have you survived because you were willing to follow the Lord? Remember back to that place of fear and uncertainty. What did Jesus do for you when you were being tossed by the wind and waves? What have you experienced that has allowed you to find a faith that says — my Jesus is able to calm the storm because there is nothing my God cannot do!

IF THE WINDS AND WAVES CAN OBEY HIM, SO CAN I!

As we near Thanksgiving, I pray that all of us are able to look back and celebrate the wonderful life we have experienced because we were willing to leave our old life in order to experience the new. Let’s express our gratitude for the call Jesus has placed on our life and the many ways he has revealed himself to us over the years. May we walk in obedience every day of our lives, always willing to do the next thing Jesus is asking of us. And may God bless you and your family during this season of thankfulness!

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:1-17

As he traveled from place to place, Jesus healed those who were sick or crippled. Many who were possessed by demons were set free. But not everyone who needed healing came to Jesus believing that he could and that he would. Some had only experienced a lack of sympathy and thoughtfulness throughout their life, and they could not imagine that someone as special as Jesus would care enough to heal them. But some had enough faith to at least ask.

Large crowds followed Jesus as he came down the mountainside. Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him. “Lord,” the man said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus said to him, “Don’t tell anyone about this. Instead, go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.” – Matthew 8:1-4

I KNOW JESUS CAN; I JUST DON’T KNOW IF HE WILL.

Wow, that’s powerful! Do you identify with this man who had faith to believe that Jesus could heal him of an incurable disease, but struggled to believe that Jesus would choose to do something that amazing for him? Maybe you have seen him do it for others, you have heard the testimonials of those who have experienced healing, yet you have not come to understand how much God loves you — how much He wants to hear you ask and wants to see you walk in wholeness and healing.

I KNOW JESUS CAN AND I AM ASKING HIM TO.

When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.”

Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.”

But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.”

When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!…”

Then Jesus said to the Roman officer, “Go back home. Because you believed, it has happened.” And the young servant was healed that same hour. – Matthew 8:5-10,13

The Roman officer is a great example of what it looks like to believe Jesus has the power to do anything. He came to Jesus with a humble spirit and his request was granted. Because he believed in Jesus, his servant was healed; because he had the faith to believe on behalf of another person who needed healing, that person experienced the magnificent power of Jesus.

I KNOW JESUS CAN AND I HAVE THE FAITH TO BELIEVE HE WILL.

When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, Peter’s mother-in-law was sick in bed with a high fever. But when Jesus touched her hand, the fever left her. Then she got up and prepared a meal for him.

That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus. He cast out the evil spirits with a simple command, and he healed all the sick. This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” – Matthew 8:14-17

JESUS HAS HEALED ME AND I WILL SERVE HIM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.

I made a decision as a teenager that I would spend my life serving God. I counted it as a privilege, and I was honored when I received my call during a youth conference. When I experienced the need for healing, I asked for it. During the time of waiting for God to respond, I daily laid the desires of my heart before him and humbly asked him to align my desires with His, believing the life He had for me would be good — with or without healing.

If you are in that place of petitioning God for your healing or the healing of someone else, I pray that you will experience the power of Jesus. As you humbly lay out your requests before God, I pray that He will hear your prayers and make Himself known to you. I join you in praying for healing. Father God, would you do amazing things in our lives today? May we see the power of your healing and may we faithfully serve you for the rest of our lives! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:13-28

“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” – Matthew 7:13-14

NARROW GATE OR BROAD HIGHWAY

Jesus continued to teach the disciples as they gathered around him on the mountainside. The crowd listened in, amazed at his teaching and the authority with which he spoke. Jesus gave four last word pictures in this sermon, each a comparison that would define those who were truly a follower of Christ and those who were not. He started by describing the gateway to life as narrow, and the road to get there as difficult. The path to hell is broad, and so many choose that easier option, but only a few will find themselves willing to walk the narrow path that leads to life.

Jesus did not say that there is a way to widen the path so that it is easier to travel; Jesus did not say that the broad highway can be redirected to make its final destination heaven. In our heart, we desire for more to walk through the gateway to life. We care that others are choosing the way that seems easier, because we know that way leads to judgment and eternal fire. We want to find a way to help them experience life in Christ, but we cannot widen the gate no matter how much we want to. Any other teaching is false.

SHEEP OR WOLVES

“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” – Matthew 7:15-20

It matters how we live. Just as he called his disciples, Jesus is calling each of us to follow him. When we live in relationship with Christ, the result is a life that produces fruit. The Spirit living within us changes the way we respond to the needs of others, giving us the words to say and the love to extend to those around us. Others see Christ in us through the life we live and the fruit we produce.

I cannot create my own path and do what I want to when I am a true follower of Christ. If I try to produce my own good works instead of living out an authentic relationship with Christ, the fruit of my life will be temporary. If I make up my own rules, refusing to submit to the authority of Christ, then I am not truly living in relationship with God, and I will find myself “unknown” when I stand before the throne of judgment.

LAW-ABIDING OR LAW-BREAKING

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’“ – Matthew 7:21-23

SOLID ROCK OR SAND

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Obedience to God creates a firm foundation on which I can build my life. When I respond to the teaching of Jesus in full submission, I can have confidence when life brings its storms. The winds and rains of life may beat upon my house, but I will not collapse because Jesus is the solid rock on which I stand.

The pressure of our current culture is to redefine sin and affirm the choices of others, but this is like building our house on sand — it is always shifting. Look back and see how different our culture was five years ago. It will be that different five years from now. But God’s word is constant; it remains the same. The teachings of Jesus are firm and I choose to walk the narrow path because it leads to the gateway of life.

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike their teachers of religious law. – Matthew 7:28-29

How will you respond today to the teachings of Christ? Is the fruit of your life a result of human effort or does the Spirit guide your actions? Will you stand steady on the firm foundation of biblical teachings, or will you find comfort in the soft sand and the broad highway of today’s popular culture?

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:12 and 22:37-40

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” — Matthew 7:12

This verse is known as The Golden Rule. It is one of the first verses I memorized as a child, and it was often the verse I heard teachers quote to correct the bad behavior of students. It has been used in conflict resolutions, and it is the standard set for most relationships. If I treat you the way I want to be treated and you treat me the way you would want me to treat you, we have a mutual agreement of consideration and kindness.

So what does that look like when we all follow this important lesson into adulthood? It means I extend mercy and understanding to you, and I experience the reciprocation of that respect and consideration. It means…

If I hear something about you that is inconsistent with who I know you to be, I am going to go to you first to ask you if that information is true, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are having a hard day, I am going to come alongside you and ask you how you are doing and if there is anything I can do for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you sin against me, hurt my feelings, or offend me, I am going to forgive you. I might even sit down with you and let you know how your actions affected me, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If I see that you are struggling with your faith in God and slowly drifting out of relationship with Him, I am going to kindly reach out to you and see if you are alright. I am going to be someone you can talk to and someone who will pray for you, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you lose someone close to you, if you get fired from your job, or if you suffer a great loss in this life, I am going to grieve with you and be available to listen to you. I will be a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen, because that is what I would want you to do for me.

If you don’t want advice, I won’t give it. If you need space, I’ll give it to you. If you need someone to make you laugh or help you forget, I’m there for you…because that is what I would want you to do for me.

DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO TO YOU.

What would this world look like if we all lived according to The Golden Rule? What would our church relationships look like if we followed this standard of conduct? How healthy would our family relationships be if The Golden Rule was our highest goal?

Jesus said that this one rule sums up all of the law and the prophets. If the long list of the Jewish rules and standards was overwhelming for the Jews and Gentiles to remember and live by, they could live by this one rule and it would result in the life God was calling them to. The Golden Rule teaches us how to live in relationship with others, as well as live in relationship with God. This is consistent with Jesus’ reply when asked what the greatest commandment was:

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

LOVE GOD AND LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.

The word “golden” has been resurrected by today’s young people, and is commonly used to describe something as perfect or exactly what is needed. I believe what is needed today is a resurrection of living according to the Golden Rule, and that starts in the church. What would it look like if each of us truly considered our response to others through the lens of how we would want to be treated if we were in their situation? What if we expressed our love for God through the expression of love towards others? What if we spent this Thanksgiving letting those in our lives know how much we appreciate them because we know how much value that conversation would have in our lives as well?

God, thank you for the reminder this morning of your Golden Rule. Thank you that there is value in this instruction for both others and myself. May each of us live through the lens of reciprocity, focused on the value our decisions have on others rather than focused on ourselves. We ask for your Spirit to bring your word back to our thoughts as we live out our relationship with you in our relationship with others. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:1-6

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.” – Matthew 7:1-2

There were times when Jesus was very clear in his teaching — direct and to the point. He would then use an illustration or word picture to help us understand what he was saying, and then he would repeat the directions again. This is one of those passages when Jesus spoke clearly and directly. Do not judge. Do not look at someone else and cast judgment on them.

God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor? – James 4:12

So why, then, do we judge? Why do we allow our opinions of someone else’s behavior to influence the way in which we respond to them? How often do we see the situation someone else is in and wonder why they are not doing something to get themselves out? Why is it that we come up with solutions to other people’s problems so much easier than we come up with solutions to our own?

WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE PAST THE SIN IN ORDER TO LOVE THE SINNER

There seems to be this lack of patience for those who have not yet surrendered to the life God is calling them to live. If we are not responding to the Holy Spirit in our interactions, we can easily say something to push them farther away from God, while He is actively drawing them to Himself. Words are powerful and can make a huge difference in someone’s life, positive and negative. How we choose to use the power of speech can improve someone’s experience or weigh them down with discouragement.

When it is someone else who has gotten themselves into a situation, the solution seems so easy and obvious to us, yet they do not need us to yell the obvious from the sidelines. They are well aware of the situation they are in. What they need is encouragement and love; what they need is mercy.

Our theme this year for Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center has been MOMENTS OF MERCY. We made a decision at the beginning of the year to dive deep into the meaning of mercy, and allow God to teach us what it really means to respond to the needs of others with mercy. What does it look like to see beyond the mistakes someone has made in order to see the potential of who God is calling them to be? What does it look like for my actions to reflect the character of Jesus rather than my own humanity?

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your own eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.” – Matthew 7:3-5

Jesus is NOT saying that we shouldn’t help each other, or that we should only worry about ourselves. No, he is commanding us to stop judging others for the help that they need. We need to first examine our own situations. When we do this, we will most likely see that we, too, are not perfect. We make mistakes and get ourselves into situations we should not be in, just like others around us. And sometimes our biggest struggle is that someone else’s sin is uncomfortably reminding us of our own regret, allowing shame to once more crowd in and steal our joy. Instead of allowing our past sins to draw us towards compassion, we embrace judgment as a way of avoiding the reminder of our own unrighteousness.

WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE PAST THE LOG IN YOUR OWN EYE

We are all sinners in need of a Savior. It is clear that Jesus is pointing out the absurdity of our judgment of others when we are not without sin ourselves. Self-righteousness says I’m better than you and I have the right to tell you what you are doing wrong, but Jesus points to this attitude and calls it hypocrisy. Self-condemnation says I can’t see past my own sin in order to see the forgiveness that is waiting for both me and you on the other side.

As we walk this faith journey, it helps to have friends in our lives who help keep us accountable; it helps to have a friend point out our bad attitude or give us advice on the decisions we are making. Sometimes we intentionally give someone permission to point out sin in our life, but that does not give us permission to point out sin in the lives of unbelievers. In fact, we shouldn’t be surprised when sinners sin. Until they choose to let God do a transforming work in their heart, they will continue to produce sin from their sinful heart.

“Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” – Matthew 7:6

We need to reach out and help those around us, loving them the way we would want to be loved (there’s that Golden Rule again). Jesus is not saying to ignore those who are struggling with situations or temptations. Jesus wants us to reach out in love to one another, not sit in judgment of each other.

What we say to others or about other people FLOWS FROM WHAT IS IN OUR HEART (Luke 6:43-45). A good person produces good things from their heart; an evil person produces evil things. This is good to remember the next time I am in the mood to gossip or to say something critical about someone else. Let’s use our words to make a positive difference in someone else’s day.

Lord, please forgive me for the evil things that have spilled out of my mouth. Forgive me for my criticism of others. Forgive me for my gossiping tongue. Lord, my desire is to help others. Please take this log out of my own eye so that I can reach out to others with a pure heart, extending to them a moment of mercy. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:25-34, 7:7-11

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

The desires of my heart are reflected in what I cherish or hold dear. So what have I placed great value on; what do I love so dearly that I make great efforts to keep it safe? If I lost everything today, what part of that loss would break my heart? Let’s look back at yesterday’s questions in the context of this next passage.

Am I serving God or myself? Am I seeking the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of me?

“That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food or drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

“And why worry about clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?” – Matthew 6:25-30

It is easy to start worrying about the everyday things in life — food, clothes, finances, employment, health, etc. We often let worry take over our thoughts and consume our day. Yet Jesus’ sermon is a great reminder that we serve a God who understands, who cares and who is faithful to provide what we need. He wants us to take our focus off of these things so that we can be focused on the eternal instead of the temporary.

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek first the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:31-33

Am I serving God or myself? Am I seeking the Kingdom of God or the kingdom of me?

God calls me to give Him the desires of my heart and let Him replace them with the desires of His heart. God calls me to give Him my focus so that He can fill my eyes with His light. If my eyes are focused on God, if my heart is filled with His desires, if I am serving God and not myself, than these next verses will be true in my life:

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

“You parents – if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead? Or if they ask for a fish, do you give them a snake? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him?” – Matthew 7:7-11

So, before I bring my requests to God, I need to get my eyes focused and I need to empty my heart of my own desires. Once I have done that, I am ready to pray for the things that matter to God. Then I am ready to ask, seek and knock.

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” – Matthew 6:34

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:19-24

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” – Matthew 7:7-8

Have you ever read these verses and responded, “So what’s the catch?” We have all asked for something we did not receive, so what must we do to gain understanding of this promise spoken by Jesus? Let’s go back to what Jesus said in his sermon right before he said this.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” – Matthew 6:33

Again, Jesus speaks of righteous living, this time in the context of focusing on the Kingdom of God as compared to focusing on our own needs. Jesus challenges His listeners to consider their focus, and so I choose to take that challenge this morning as well.

Am I serving God or myself? Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:19-21

What does my heart desire? Am I willing to let God fill my heart with what He desires and with what breaks His heart instead of letting my own desires for earthly gain grow? Am I so caught up in the temporary pleasure of acquiring the newest “toy” that I miss God’s prompting to serve Him with my money?

Am I serving God or myself? Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

“Your eye is a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is good, your whole body is filled with light. But when your eye is bad, your whole body is filled with darkness. And if the light you think you have is actually darkness, how deep that darkness is!” – Matthew 6:22-23

Consider how much life would change if we were to lose our sight. Our eye is such a small part of the body and yet, without its ability to let light in, our life would be so different. Our focus in life influences our eyes – our heart determines our focus and our focus determines what our eyes see. So where am I focused? I am either seeing the light of Jesus or I am focused on the light of the world, which is really darkness disguised as light.

Am I serving God or myself? Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

“No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24

We serve a jealous God. The first of the Ten Commandments is “You must not have any other god but me” (Exodus 20:3). “And you must love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, and ALL your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today” (Deuteronomy 6:5-6). Am I serving God or money? This is essentially the same as the questions we have been asking:

Am I serving God or myself? Am I working to advance the Kingdom of God or am I building my own kingdom?

God, thank you for the reminder this morning that what you desire for my life is so much more important than what I desire. Your purpose for my life has value, and so I choose to rest in your provision and trust you to use me to advance your Kingdom in someone else’s life. Give me eyes to see the good in people, and hope to see the possibilities before me. Amen.