ESOCS Devotional 26 February 2023
TEXT: MATTHEW 6:16-21
MEMORY VERSE: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
In our text, Jesus taught us two basic things- about fasting and about money. Fasting is very common today whether it is done the right way or otherwise. In our text, Jesus was not condemning fasting, but hypocrisy – fasting in order to get public attention, approval, or to boast. In the Bible days, it was mandatory for the Jewish people to fast once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:32). But the Pharisees voluntarily fasted twice a week to impress the people with their “holiness”. Moreover, they usually announced it and showed it on their faces and bodies. But Jesus taught that the right way is to adopt spiritual disciplines for the right reasons, not selfish desire for praise. In addition, we should bathe, rob oil, dress well, brush out teeth, no announcement of it, etc. This way, no one will know we are fasting. That is the right way.
The second teaching was on earthly treasures. He taught that we must not lay our interest in earthly things including riches, but on heavenly things. Earthly things perish and can ‘perish’ us. What we treasure most controls us. Jesus calls for a decision that allows us to live contentedly with whatever we have because we have chosen eternal values over temporary – earthly treasures.
Let us learn from our Master, Jesus. It pays to do it the right way.
- Heretical teaching is everywhere. Are you caught in the web?
- Holy Spirit, teach me the right thing to do, in Jesus name.
FURTHER READING: Matthew 6: 16-18; 2 Peter 2:1-3
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 26 February 2023
