Daily Devotions
April 4th, 2012 by Pastor SolleyMatthew 23:1-8
23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, 2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: 3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. 4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Here Jesus warns of the Scribes and Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day. They knew the Law, preached the Law, acted out the Law, but did not obey the Law. They had all the outward signs of being a religious Jew but they had no spiritual life. What was seen in that day is seen in ours as well. How many stand behind pulpits and preach that which they do not follow? That includes those in fundamentalism. At least with the liberal you know he does not believe what he often preaches. But shouldn’t we expect more from the fundamentalist? Yet we see many around us who do not believe, or at least do not follow what they teach. In the last days of His earthly ministry Jesus warned of false leaders and teachers in positions of authority and we should heed the warning today. Those who stand in leadership are to be held up to the light and standard of the Word of God. But in holding them up we need to look at ourselves in the mirror of His Word as well. When the lost look at you or at me what do they see? Do they see one who talks a good game but never follows? Or do they see one who lives what they preach? Let it be the latter.