2 Thessalonians 1:1-5, 11-12
Psalm 96:1-5
Matthew 23:13-22
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WHAT DO I LOVE MORE THAN JESUS?
"How blind you are! Which is more important, the offering or the altar which makes the offering sacred?" —Matthew 23:19
Jesus clearly stated that “No man can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other or be attentive to one and despise the other” (Mt 6:24). To make it absolutely clear what He meant by this, Jesus’ next statement was “You cannot give yourself to God and money.”
The Pharisees “were avaricious men” (Lk 16:14), that is, they had an insatiable love of money. Jesus observed that they also were “fond of places of honor at banquets and the front seats of synagogues, of marks of respect in public and of being called ‘Rabbi’ ” (Mt 23:6-7). Sadly, in pursuing these attractions, they neglected “the love of God” (Lk 11:42). The Pharisees proved the truth of Jesus’ statement that people will love one master, money, and despise the other Master, God (Mt 6:24). Ultimately, the Pharisees despised Jesus so much that they demanded He be crucified. There is no middle ground. A person cannot love both God and mammon, that is, the things of the world.
What about us? Do we love anything more than Jesus? This is a dangerous place to be, for it puts us at risk of despising Jesus. “Have no love for the world, nor the things that the world affords” (1 Jn 2:15). Love God alone (Lk 10:27).
Prayer: Father, give me new eyes and a new heart so that I keep my eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2).
Promise: Grace and peace be yours from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." —2 Thes 1:2
Praise: Sarah, a quadriplegic, never complains about her situation. She constantly radiates the joy of the Lord at work, on the bus, and whenever people stare at her.
(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(Let the Holy Spirit be your consolation if you have lost a spouse. We offer a Sept. 13-15 retreat for widows focused on drawing close to the Lord for strength. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com to register.)
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