PRACTICE MERCY
Keywords 23:23b
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.
1. Jesus pronounced woes on the religious leaders.
First, he called them hypocrites. They were called to invite others to God, to
make him known. God called Israel to be a kingdom of priests. Outwardly this is
what the teachers of the law and Pharisees did, even travelling long distances
to convert others, but they had failed to enter the kingdom of heaven
themselves. They did not practice loving the Lord and humbly serving him. As a
result, they became a hindrance to the very ones they desired to convert. They
prevented them from entering the kingdom of heaven and made them children of
hell instead.
2. Second, Jesus called them blind. It is because they
lost sight of God in the practice of their religion. They taught many things
that Jesus pointed out were contradictory to God’s sovereign rule. The godlessness of their religious
practice was
exemplified in their focus to tithe even their fine spices—but neglecting God’s
justice, mercy and faithfulness.
Prayer Lord, help
me not to lose sight of you. Bless me to seek you by practicing justice and
mercy today.
One Word Seek God;
practice his mercy
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