Matthew 23:24 says, "You hypocritical, blind leaders. You spoon a fly from your soup and swallow a camel."(Voice). Ouch! Jesus exposed the Pharisees in this chapter. They claimed to be righteous, but were really unrighteous. They focused on the rules and rituals, but "ignored the essentials of the law: justice, mercy, faithfulness"(vs 23).
We don't want to follow their example. But how can we be different? "How? you ask. In Christ. God put the wrong on him who never did anything wrong, so we could be put right with God."(2 Corinthians 5:21, Message). Don't miss this! The Pharisees thought they could make themselves righteous, but the only one that can make us righteous is Jesus! When we admit that we can't do it on our own, and accept his sacrifice as payment we are freely given right standing with God. Romans 5:8 says, "But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners."(Living Bible).
Our lesson in Children's Church today was about Prophetic Prayer, but several children asked questions about the End Times. Perhaps, recent events, movies, or television sparked their interests or concerns. Even after many years of Bible study, these are not easy topics, and they certainly aren't easy to explain to 10 to 12 year old boys and girls. I could hear my mother in my head saying..."Finish this task first!" We often want to jump into a philosophical theological discussions about future events, when there are so many every day tasks to be completed. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."(KJV). The main point is spreading the Good News to the World about Jesus! We can do this simply by loving our fellow man. Jesus said, "Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the SAME way I loved you, you love one another. THIS is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.”(John 13:34-35, Message).
Sure, there is a place for deep diving into eschatology, but first let's learn to love. 1 John 4:7 says, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God."(KJV).
Love and prayers, Cynthia
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