Verse of the Day 4/21

Through the Bible - 2 Samuel 1-3, Luke 19:11-27

 

Good morning,

Yesterday's passage revealed that there couldn't have been a greater gap between the Pharisee and the publican, the sinner.  Think of their positions, reputations, outward appearance, and even their friends.  But the largest difference was the courage, the heart to be open and honest before God.

 

Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "It is plain that there is no separate essence called courage, no cup or cell in the brain, no vessel in the heart containing drops or atoms that make or give this virtue; but it is the right or healthy state of every man, when he is free to do that which is constitutional to him to do."  Something that is "constitutional" is at the core, it governs how we will act.  A Christians courage, will lead them to a willingness to fulfill God's designed purpose for us, to serve Him for His glory.  This courage isn't from within, it is through faith in Christ.

 

Today's verse goes to the heart of the matter in being a Christian.

 

Matt 23:11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.   NKJV

In a passage where the Pharisees want the best for themselves, the best seats at the feasts, the most recognition, along with the "right" to put undue burdens onto "lesser" people, Jesus gives us the ideal that reveals the chasm between the true follower of God, and the ones who are in it for the "show", for their own personal glory.

 

The motive for us in any situation is that He be exalted.

 

Reading the word "exalted" several times over the last few days brought to mind the Chris Tomlin chorus "He is Exalted".  It points out that blessing and honor, glory and power, belong to the LORD, YAHWEH.

 

He is Exalted

 

Exalted, he is exalted
On high, he is exalted
Great is the Lord, let all the nations say
Exalted, he is exalted

Blessing and honor
Glory and power unto the Lord be praised
Sing with a chorus resounding before us
Holy is his name, his name, his name

Yahweh, holy is your name

It takes courage in today's society to have the attitude of John the Baptist, "He must increase, but I must decrease."  (John 3:30).   It reveals the servants heart.

In Christ,

Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
More tools available at: http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matt 23:1-13

 

Woe to the Scribes and Pharisees
(Mark 12:38-40; Luke 20:45-47)

 

23 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, 2 saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.  3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.  4 For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.  5 But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.  6 They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,  7 greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'  8 But you, do not be called 'Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.  9 Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.  10 And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.  11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.  12 And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

 

NKJV