Wednesday 9 Jul 2014

July 9: Matthew 11:16-19

Key Verse: Matthew 11:17
“We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.”

Devotion:
We can look at the way that people react to others actions and we can question whether we think things are right or wrong; but sometimes we do get things wrong as well. It could be as simple as not dancing when someone asks you to, not joining in singing when others sing or even answering back when a question is asked. We don’t always see how our actions are going to affect other people until after we have reacted and after they have been affected!

Just because we think our actions at the time are correct does not make them right or even warranted. Jesus upset a whole lot of people because His action were actually righteous but certainly not always wanted. Jesus has the foresight to know what was required at the time, something we lack and something we often struggle with. We can see the same pattern happening to people throughout history as they tried to do righteous things when others around them were trying to hide their actions.

Jesus wants us to be open about what we do but also compassionate about our actions. It is no good sticking to the letter of the law if it is going to upset everyone else. And on the other side of the equation, it is not enough to work toward pleasing everyone because we may well step away from the law and step away from righteousness. God knows we are not going to be able to get it right all the time, but trying to do what is right and living for God’s glory will take us a lot further forward than just the law.

It is no use knowing all the laws if we are not going to keep them ourselves. It is no use keeping every law if we are going to think about breaking them all the time. The law applies to our own hearts and minds just as much as it applies to the way we live. Jesus certainly did not come to earth to try and please everyone. Yes, He came to be your friend; but He came as a righteous friend, one who would point out your mistakes!

Points to Ponder:
Do you expect Christ to forgive you?

Have you tried doing what is right?