Good morning. It’s Thursday, January 11, 2024. Be sure not to carry anything over from last year that can spoil what lies before you. Give yourself a clean slate. Be the best “you” that you can be. Today, Jesus lays it down straight, with no fudging or wiggle room. Read on …
Today's Reading:
Genesis 27,28; Psalms 4; Luke 11
Scripture
“‘Woe to Pharisees … for you are like concealed tombs and the people who walk over them are unaware of it.’ And one of the lawyers said to Him in reply, ‘Teacher, when you say this, you insult us too!’ But he said, ‘And as for you… Woe to you lawyers as well. For you weigh men down with burdens hard to bear while you yourselves will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers!’” (Luke 11:43-46)
Observation
Jesus is known for His grace and mercy, but when it called for it, He could lay it down, too. One day, while Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees, the teachers of the Law chimed in and sided with those He was reprimanding … not a smart thing to do. The teachers of the Law said, “You insult us as well when you talk like that to the Pharisees …” Jesus switches His focus and lasers in on the teachers of the Law. “And as for you …!” He turned and leveled His crosshairs on them. Jesus was an equal-opportunity offender.
Application
It's easy … but very dangerous to weigh in on things emotionally. Emotions and other pre-existing conditions (like bitterness, unresolved issues, pride, self-centeredness, wrong perspectives, and unresolved issues) will diminish our ability to think clearly or biblically. We default to shallow thinking as if it were "deep," but actually, it's very superficial. Just because we take the side of an "underdog" doesn't mean it won't be spiritual suicide.
Jesus reminds us that being politically right could mean being eternally wrong. As 21st-century thinkers for Christ, it is essential not to take the popular stance so quickly and not take sides so impetuously — but to think deeply and biblically as Jesus would. This is the challenge for us all, lest we hear Jesus turn to us and say, "… And as for you…!"
Prayer
Father, help us develop biblically wise and innovative thinkers in these last days — insightful leaders who speak with courage, dedication, depth, and foresight. Teach me how to do that by getting to know You more and more.
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