Daily Reading: Luke 16
Scripture Focus: You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16.15)
Devotional Thought: Today’s political leaders want to know what the polls say – what is “exalted among men.” Jesus wanted to know what God thinks about the issues. Jesus wasn’t driven by political correctness, consumeristic church growth, or popularity.
The Pharisees ridiculed Jesus for his attitude about money, but Jesus told them that it was their attitude that was wrong. He went on to remind them that what is important to men may not be as important to God. Jesus also pointed out the fact that people justify themselves before men. We go to great lengths to impress others, don’t we? We buy bigger houses, faster cars, and more toys. We brag about who we know, what we do, and where we’ve been. We spend thousands on clothing, cosmetics, and gym memberships. But those things don’t impress God. They won’t last into eternity. As a matter of fact, much of what we place so much value on does not even last until the end of our lives.
The most telling statement that Jesus made in verse 15 was “God knows your hearts.” That can be a comfort or a curse, can’t it? It’s comforting because every one of us lives something less than a perfect life, and it's good to know that God looks upon our hearts. When we fail and when we fall, if our hearts are turned toward God, he will forgive us and pick us up. He knows our hearts and he knows that we don’t intentionally do things to disobey or disappoint him. By the same token, God knows our hearts. We can’t fool him with religious-sounding talk.
What is important to you? Are the same things important to God? God knows your heart.
Prayer: "Search me, O God, and know my heart today. Try me, O Savior; know my thoughts I pray. See if there be some wicked way in me. Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free." Amen. (J. Edwin Orr)
Psalm of the Day: 7 O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked; do not further their evil plot, or they will be exalted! Selah 9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their lips overwhelm them! 10 Let burning coals fall upon them! Let them be cast into fire, into miry pits, no more to rise! 11 Let not the slanderer be established in the land; let evil hunt down the violent man speedily! 12 I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and will execute justice for the needy. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence. (Psalms 140:7-13)
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