ESOCS Devotional 2 January 2021
TEXT: MATTHEW 23:1-12
MEMORY VERSE: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. Matthew 23:2-4 NKJV
The scribes and the Pharisees were a great part of the problem of the Jewish nation in their relationship with God, even during the time of Christ on earth. They were hypocrites to the extreme; and they practised hypocrisy with commitment; and were very religious about it. Several times, our Lord rebuked them for it, and He cursed them when He said severally, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (vs. 13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, and 29).
Our Lord described them variously and enumerated their characters. They were not only corrupt but were corrupters of the innocent and pure (v 15); and they were obstacle to those who aspired to enter the kingdom of God (v 13). They were devoid of truth, were the crown of insincerity, and were dirty in their hearts. Predominantly, they “… cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence” (v 25). They were fools, and spiritually blind; therefore, they could not see through the law and the prophets to understand the richness of the wisdom of God in them, and that the scriptures were pointing to Christ. They were blind guides of the people and often led them astray and far away from the true interpretation and meaning of the scriptures, for they interpreted them to sooth their sinful and evil purposes (vs. 19, 24, and 26). They were guilty murderers (v 35).
It is important to know how our Lord feels about people who possess the characters or attributes of the Pharisees. It would enable us to be careful about the things we do, and be mindful concerning the kind of life we choose to live.
As Christians, we should indulge in the life of true Christian practice and piety, a life that replicates the righteousness of God, with which He filled us when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and personal Saviour. Such a life is sanctified in Christ. We must not rubbish it; rather, we should hold strongly on to it and never let go. Our Lord counselled us, “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown” (Rev 3:11 NLT). No other duty is required from us except as He revealed to us: “Only hold on to what you have until I come” (Rev. 2:25 NIV).
What we have is the righteousness of God in us. We should neither neglect nor trifle with it, a gift that is worth much more than gold. He said, “… And their righteousness is from Me” (Isa. 54:17 NKJV). We should be like Christ, and not like the scribes and Pharisees.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
Reflect on your life and ensure that you are not like the scribes and Pharisees.
PRAYER POINT
Lord God, grant me the grace to remain holy and acceptable to you all through my life on earth, in Jesus name.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 1:1-9; 13:1-18; Revelation 17:7-18
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ESOCS Devotional 2 January 2021
