A friend once told me, In my lifetime Ive seen a lot of things change, and Ive been against them all! Perhaps he overstated the point, but many of us would agree that we dont like changeespecially if it involves altering our habits and attitudes.
Thats one reason Jesus was so unpopular among the Pharisees. He challenged their long-established system of good works and self-righteous living. Consider the incident when the town sinner entered the home of the town saint in Luke 7. Simon the Pharisee wasnt impressed with the womans lavish display of affection for Jesus. Reading Simons self-righteous thoughts, Jesus immediately challenged his flawed perception of his own goodness by telling the story of two debtorsone who owed much to his master and one who owed less. Which of them will love him more? Jesus asked (v.42). Obviously, the one who had been forgiven more. Speaking to Simons I-feel-pretty-good-about-myself attitude, Jesus said, to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little (v.47).
The challenge is clear. Lulled into thinking how good we are, our love for Jesus wanes because we have forgotten that we too are among the ones forgiven much. And when that happens, ready or not, its time for a change!
Bible in One Year: Exodus 29-30; Matthew 21:23-46
Thank you for the wonderful message today, Mr. Mayor.
Rus, thank you as always for the scriptures you post, along with food for thought for each day.