As I always say, the heart of the matter is always a matter of the heart. Last week, we talked about how the Pharisees lived their lives to seek glory for themselves. Every time they approached Jesus with a question, it was not to learn God’s Truth, but rather, to justify their chosen lifestyle. They, sadly, thought that they were at the center of life, instead of God. Nothing has changed, has it? There are still too many people who approach Christianity, not seeking to be saved, but to find ways to affirm the choices they have already made in life. And when they hear that their choices are not godly, they reject and ridicule our Faith.
In Day 11 called “Sincere Seeker,” the authors note, “People won’t accept truthful answers if the purpose of their questions is to justify sin. It’s a motive that always makes for frustrating conversations.” (p55) They talk about an occasion when the group of religious, known as Sadducees, who did not believe in the resurrection or eternal life, tried to trap Jesus by asking about a woman and her seven husbands. Their point was to mock Jesus and get Him to admit they had a point. I love how Jesus answers them, check out the whole story here: Mark 12:18-27. But God can take a conversation that seems to be going nowhere and turn it around.
These authors say, “Having heard the kerfuffle – and impressed by Jesus’ answers – a sincere scribe asked Him which commandment is the greatest. And what a historical moment it became, because in a few short sentences, a trap set by the Sadducees became a tenant for true believers: love God, with every fiber of your being and love the people He’s made.” (p56) Even though Jesus knew the Sadducees did not want to learn any life-changing truth from Him, He answered their question anyway, which caused someone in the crowd to sincerely come to Him. My Friends, sometimes it is difficult talking to those who want nothing to do with Christ. Yet if the Holy Spirit leads us, talk we must, because we never really know whose open heart may be listening in. I will close with this quote from the authors, “Sincerity of heart makes a huge difference in the pursuit of truth, which makes the ancient religious leaders a cautionary tale.” (p56) Those whose heart is sincere will seek truth, rather than self-justification. So never be afraid of engaging in a conversation and trust God to reveal the matter of their hearts.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Peace, Diane
