TODAY’S WORD FOR WEDNESDAY JULY 15, 2015.
BEWARE
BEWARE
Be wary, cautious or vigilant; watch out; be careful.
Beware of the scribes, who loved to go around in long robes and gave love greetings in the market place. Mark 12:38.
When we hear the word, beware, there is usually an association with something dangerous. One might say to a child, beware of the traffic on the street. Or in a rain storm one might say to beware of flash flooding.
In the scripture we put above Jesus said to beware of the scribes. Our immediate reaction might be: Why would these scribes be dangerous? The scribes were experts in the Jewish laws and traditions of the temple. They were well educated but rejected Jesus as the Messiah and were always looking for opportunities to trap Him with their questions. They were lawyers and knew well how to mislead and argue.
After being questioned by the scribes Jesus spoke a warning to the crowd around Him. Jesus saw right through the outer appearances of the scribes into the sinful motive of their hearts. Jesus warned the people to be aware of the scribes because they were an evil influence and hypocrites who made a show of being very religious.
Jesus pointed out that they used their position of leadership to exploit the poor and take advantage of the people in general. They had no love for God or for the people they were responsible too. They wore their long robes to show they were noted scholars and as they walked through the market place they were only attempting to gain recognition and esteem.
Jesus condemned the scribes for always sitting in the best seats in the Synagogue and high places of honor at the feasts just so they could be seen by all who attended. The scribes were trained to be teachers and spiritual leaders in the Synagogues and the Temple. Instead they used their positions of authority to take financial advantage of widows and cheat the poor. Jesus pointed out that true religion in God’s sight is to be humble and servants of their Lord.
We, as believers, need to learn from what Jesus said and beware of showy religiosity. We are not to glory in our titles or successes bringing honor to ourselves. True religion is a relationship with Jesus in which we are dedicated to serving HIM AND BRINGING HONOR AND GLORY TO Him, and to Him only.
Our memory verse for this week is found in Genesis 1:1.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Help me to beware of those people around me that are self-righteous and make a show of being religious but are not true followers of You. May my family put Christ first in all we do and may we serve You in a way that honors You. Keep us humble and glorifying Your name in all we do.
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