Today’s Reading:
Luke 11:37-52
“But woe unto you Pharisees for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God; these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
(Luke 11:42)
The Pharisees were a Jewish religious group known for their strict adherence to the Torah (Jewish law) and oral traditions. They were all around during the ministry of Jesus and appeared mostly to oppose Jesus. They were always particular about the smallest details of the ceremonial law, such as tithing tiny herbs, but they were careless in their relationship with God and man. They oppressed the poor and failed to love God. Jesus did not scold them for tithing mint, rue and every herb, rather He pointed out that they should not be zealous in this particular aspect and neglect the basic duties of life, such as justice and love of God. They emphasized the secondary but neglected the primary. They were doing well in what could be seen by others but were guilty in what only God could see. They called attention to themselves in the synagogue and the marketplace, thereby guilty of pride and were ruled by self. Jesus didn’t mince words, he gave it to them straight by saying WOE unto them.
The word “Woe” in the Bible is often used as a strong expression of judgment, sorrow or warning. It is used to condemn sin, hypocrisy and injustice. You need to learn from the Pharisee and do the needful too in your walk with God. If you major on the minor and minor on the major, then woe unto you. If you focus on pleasing people rather than pleasing God, woe unto you. If you praise sinners instead of condemning their sin, and lead them to the Saviour, then woe unto you. If you live your life to be seen and praised by men when you know that God is not happy with what you are doing, then woe unto you. You do what you preached against, woe unto you. You deceive people by making them see that you are a correct servant of God, but inwardly you are a wolf in sheep’s clothing, then woe unto you. How long will you continue with this hypocritical attitude? You can’t go far with this lifestyle, why not repent now before heaven will expose and disgrace you. You may not escape your next evil deal. God asks me to warn you. Be warned! Be warned!! Be warned!!!
JAMES ALADE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, I come to you and confess all my hypocritical attitude, have mercy upon me in Jesus’ name.
Every life that is not of God in me, be uprooted in Jesus’ name.
I receive grace to live a life that pleases God in Jesus' name.
Enough is enough, devil hands off my life and destiny today in Jesus name.
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