February 3
Matthew 22:34-23:12
How do you feel about rules? Do you find them confining, restricting, or life giving? Are you a natural rebel, who sees in rules an opportunity to break them; or a rule follower who will follow commands to their full extent? Jesus and the Pharisees have a conversation about two sets of rules in Matthew 22-23. One set of rules are those which come from God. Instructions summarized as loving God and loving others. These rules are life giving and usher us into the fullness of life. We were designed for these laws and the more we obey them, the more joy and freedom we will have.
In contrast, we see a second set of laws which were created by the Pharisees. These laws are equated to having heavy loads placed upon our shoulders. These rules are like walking up a steep hill carrying a massive backpack. They become an impossible task which burdens us with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame. These rules are to be resisted, while God’s are to be embraced. Obedience to God brings life, while conformity to the things of the world brings death. So let us follow God and his commands, peeling off everything that hinders us.
Father God, help me to live to please you. Help me to enjoy the freedom of obedience to you and your ways. Amen.
How can you more intentionally enjoy the freedom that obedience to God brings?
How do you feel about rules? Do you find them confining, restricting, or life giving? Are you a natural rebel, who sees in rules an opportunity to break them; or a rule follower who will follow commands to their full extent? Jesus and the Pharisees have a conversation about two sets of rules in Matthew 22-23. One set of rules are those which come from God. Instructions summarized as loving God and loving others. These rules are life giving and usher us into the fullness of life. We were designed for these laws and the more we obey them, the more joy and freedom we will have.
In contrast, we see a second set of laws which were created by the Pharisees. These laws are equated to having heavy loads placed upon our shoulders. These rules are like walking up a steep hill carrying a massive backpack. They become an impossible task which burdens us with feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and shame. These rules are to be resisted, while God’s are to be embraced. Obedience to God brings life, while conformity to the things of the world brings death. So let us follow God and his commands, peeling off everything that hinders us.
Father God, help me to live to please you. Help me to enjoy the freedom of obedience to you and your ways. Amen.
How can you more intentionally enjoy the freedom that obedience to God brings?
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