January 31st Devotion

Matthew 23:24 (NIV)
24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

How many times have we heard this phrase? We use it for many circumstances, but today we will keep it in context. Jesus is speaking to the teachers of the law and Pharisees about the law. They made certain to give one tenth of their material things (strain out a gnat), but neglected the more important matters of the law (swallowing a camel). What were these “more important matters?’ They were justice, mercy and faithfulness. How many people have been adamant about tithing, and yet failed to practice these other things. This was not, and is not a new problem. In fact, it came between God and his people before.

Isaiah 1:13-17 (NIV)
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations-- I cannot bear your evil assemblies. 14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; 16 wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t imagine becoming an unbearable burden to the Lord. Look at verse 17. Learn to do right. What is right? Seek justice, encourage the oppressed, defend the cause of the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.

It is still early in this year. Let us agree together to seek these more important matters of God’s law, and continue in the lesser also.

Love, Pastor Don