Matthew 23:21
We have to remember that the idea of free grace for all men was completely foreign to this religious crowd. To consider others being converted without them becoming Jewish in every possible sense was out of the question. Jesus is challenging their ideas of righteousness to get them to understand the purpose of his statutes. It is his law that they were trying to practice. They were not simply priests of some idol god. They were men who had dedicated their lives to serving Jehovah God, the Almighty Creator. And yet, they had missed the boat. Jesus’ call back to a place of recognizing the true standard of the law was a call to true holiness for men that were so close, but yet so very far away. The truth was right in front of them, but their eyes were blinded to it. By understanding God’s justice properly, they would begin to recognize his grace.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 8:1-9:28
Scripture Memory: James 2:15 “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice and Your grace. Though we would never want to do without Your grace, Your justice is just a crucial. It shows us what we need to be saved from. Grace without justice would simply be a license for indulgence. Justice without grace would be authority without good, something You could never be guilty of. O You are so glorious, Father! Every one of Your attributes is so precious to us! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a young woman with issues in her life. Pray for a boy’s burn. Pray for a man with bad back pain.
Journal Entry #14202