freedom – Judy in the Sky

Read Matthew 23 – Woe! Woe! Woe! It’s honesty day against the Scribes and Pharisees!

Jesus addresses the crowds, telling them to do what the religious leaders say, but not what they do. “For they do not practice what they preach, ” Jesus explains at the end of :3.

He follows up with seven woe’s against them. Jesus is opening the eyes of the crowd to the legalism that had hardened the hearts of these Scribes and Pharisees. Beloved, may your eyes also be opened to your pastor (priest,bishop,minister or title he goes by). Does he practice what he preaches? Is he a servant and humble?

“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” :11-12

May these harsh and honest rebukes for those who would use religion against people give you one more reason to celebrate Jesus. Jesus stands righteously, bringing freedom, forgiveness, love and mercy to those who put their faith in him. Jesus is mighty to save! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. (Matthew 23:39, Psalm 118:26)

Read Psalm 32 – Guilt is heavy and pride is a liar. Pride says, “Shhhh… no one has to know.” David says, “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.” :3 That is heavy; that is guilt, and God does not want that for his children.

But God is a good Father. He will be a stern presence that does not let you off the hook for harboring sin, but he will not pretend with you that the sin is no big deal. “For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.” :4

This is where a choice must be made. One can ignore the LORD until their heart is hardened. One can keep listening to pride and seek more sin to try to hide from the Holy Spirit. One can get used to that weight on the shoulders to the point that living without it seems scarier than freedom. Or one can confess and know the blessed life David speaks of, “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” :1-2

Were you able to picture Jesus speaking in verses :8-10? Maybe go back to that section, listen to your Heavenly Father as he tells you he will instruct you, counsel and watch over you. Listen as he warns you not to be a mule. Examine your life and see where you fit in verse :10.

And best of all, Beloved, celebrate! “Rejoice in the LORD and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!” :11