Devotion for Monday, April 21, 2025

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the Law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.  You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!” (Matthew 23:23-24)

The world distracts us with a little seasoning and we settle for less.  We are all in need of grace and mercy.  True justice is trusting the Lord who knows all things and brings all things to the place where the Law, which explains true balance, is lived.  We are distracted and have our pet ideas that we want to be practised.  Our cross is to die to these things in order to live life in the Lord.

Lord, there are so many conflicting messages that I have received over my lifetime.  People believe all kinds of things.  Guide me in the goodness You give to live life in the way You have designed it to be lived.  Lead me away from the hypocritical false things in order to live life seeking Your justice.  Help me to love and obey Your law, and to look on others with mercy and compassion.

Lord Jesus, You know the state of my heart.  You know where I am contrary to the Law.  Guide me through the pitfalls of this age to see things more clearly and humbly walk in the truth of Your word.  Teach me to have grace toward others and to live Your word of truth.  Through all things, help me to look to You for the true justice You will establish when this age is over.  Amen.