PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 23:29-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.” (Matthew 23:29)
Who are the heroes of the faith that I admire?
I recently read about Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and I was inspired.
I also felt the same way about William Wilberforce.
How about how we admire and celebrate Peter or Paul?
Jesus’s point here is that celebrating past heroes is not enough.
Are we demonstrating the courage or commitment they did?
Our admiration means little if we do not do what they did.
I am not one to focus on past ‘prophets’ or ‘righteous ones’.
But I do constantly focus on and admire Jesus.
Yet my words and actions can be like tombs and decorated graves.
They mean nothing if not accompanied by imitation.
Jesus does not call me to admire or worship Him.
Jesus calls me to follow Him, to walk as He walked, love as He loved.
Dead religion admires, living faith follows…
Lord Jesus, show me in practical ways how I can demonstrate God’s gracious love to the people I meet today, especially those who demand patience and are harder to love. I want to FOLLOW you.