Matthew 23:26
Be careful to see what Jesus is saying here. He is not saying that cleaning the inside of the of the cup and platter will make the outside clean. What he is saying is that the outside cannot be clean if the inside is not. He is also prescribing the order in which these things are to be cleaned.
So, we can draw three principles from this. First, there is nothing wrong with appearing holy if indeed we are spiritually clean. Secondly, our hypocrisy will be discernible. We will be unable to produce a fake piety that cannot be caught by the wise onlooker. Finally, private devotion always comes before public devotion. Confessing one’s sins, or praising the Lord, first in public is ineffective. Private supplication must come first.
Bible Reading: 1 Kings 20:1-21:29
Scripture Memory: James 2:17 “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for today. Your greatness inspires us to serve and live fuller lives for You. May we never lose sight of Your great love for us. Though difficulties come our way, You know it all and can comfort us in every situation. I know you truly care for our souls. You love us more than we love ourselves, and that is something! Thank You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Requests: Pray for a missionary family in Honduras. Pray for a missionary family in Europe.
Journal Entry #14207