Living and Being a true Follower of Jesus Christ
From Matthew 23:1-12: Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father—the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.
There is a Dad's School my own Dad neglected to tell me about. A place where they teach sayings and practices that one does not hear very much any more. In some ways that's good, overall, well, the jury is still out. But in reading this passage I remember my Dad saying, "Do as I say, not as I do." In some ways Jesus was saying that about the religious leaders of His day. "You may do as they teach you, but not live they way they do." The reality was that these leaders were teaching their interpretation of what they believed God wanted taught, but their lifestyle reflected nothing of the demands and burdens they were placing on others. They sought recognition and places of privilege, but did nothing to show they were in any sense worthy of these. Their dress reflected commitment, but their life screamed convenience. Jesus said, you know better. Live a life worthy of God. Their phylactery were leather reminders of prayer and devotion, but these gentlemen preferred privilege over prayer.
Our role as followers and believers in Jesus Christ is to live as He did. A loving, humble servant of the Most High. Jesus sought to serve and save, and so should we. Our reward will come later, and for those obedient Jesus said our reward will be great.
PRAYER: Loving God, forgive me of the times I have sought that which the religious leaders of Jesus' time sought; help me to seek the truth of love and service, humility and devotion. This I pray in Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
