PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:23-28
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You have neglected the more important matters of the law…” (Matthew 23:23)
There are many times when I feel we Christians lose sight of what really matters.
Does how or when we do baptism really matters in the big scheme of things?
Is our particular formulation of a certain doctrine really such a big deal?
Is getting all the details right really essential for salvation?
Having systems of belief or codes of behaviour can help point us in the right direction.
And there can be serious consequences related to having wrong beliefs or practices.
But God’s grace always trumps our flaws and failures, when our heart is right.
Think of David and his issue with polygamy (among others); isn’t that a serious flaw?
And yet somehow God sees David as a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
What matters here is the heart, and the heart of the law – justice, mercy, faithfulness!
God is not measuring our performance for technical accuracy, He looks to the heart.
Do you genuinely want to do what is right, good, just, merciful?
Are you humble, sincere, open to correction, honest about your weaknesses?
The Lord looks past our beliefs and practices into our hearts… what does He see?
PRAYER
Lord, if not for Your mercy, I’d be toast. I admit that I am weak in things that matter, but in my heart I want them. I cannot clean the inside of my cup… but You can! I want to be clean!
I’m reminded how easy it is to think that Jesus here is speaking to others and not me. Only to those who I’m not supposed to be like, but I myself don’t fall into the category of “scribes and Pharisees”. Lord help me remember to clean the inside of my cup, help me cleansed from the inside out so I can help others.
It’s what is inside that counts. I’ve been fooled by outward glitz and show – people and things that look great on the outside – but because of the inside – where it mattered – there was no durability – no stamina. It’s the heart – the inside that has to be right – has to be built on a solid foundation! My foundation must be Jesus – he is my source of life – He helps me to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly before God! to Love God and my neighbour!
The heart of the matter is the heart. It is what is in in the inside that counts for what is on the inside comes to expression on the outside. The end of the matter is love God; love man. As the love of Christ was sacrificial so too my love needs to be that – loving others in word and deed. Sharing the love of Christ. Serving others as He would. That can only happen if the King resides within me. It is He Who transforms my heart and mind so that I may serve Him also this day for today is also the Lord’s day. Today as in everyday, God Is First.
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold and precious silver
Purify my heart
Let me be as gold, pure gold
Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire
Is to be holy
Set apart for You, Lord
I choose to be holy
Set apart for You, my Master
Ready to do Your will
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from within and make me holy
Purify my heart
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within