Key Passage
"The Scripture says, 'I don't want animal sacrifices; I want you to show kindness to people.' You don't really know what those words mean. If you understood those words, then you would not judge those people that have done nothing wrong."
— Matthew 12:7 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Legalism stresses rules and crushes people. Jesus' biggest battles were with those who adhered to rules and law-keeping constructs while ignoring the demands of the Law that are close to the heart of God. Our goal as disciples is to be faithful to Jesus' commands and his intent. That's why having the Holy Spirit is such a blessing. He not only inspired the message and helps us in understanding it, but he also empowers us to do what Jesus desires. Of course, Jesus' consistent desire was to see people redeemed, not condemned.
Prayer
Holy God, I know doing your will is essential. But help me understand that will with both my heart and my head. I don't want to just know your commands, but I want to also know you. I don't want to just be able to recite your demands, but I want to also reflect your character. You have been so gracious to me; give me the courage to be gracious to others. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Why? Because I want faithful love, not sacrifice, {I want people} to know God, not {to bring} burnt offerings.
— Hosea 6:6
You don't really want sacrifices. So why should I give sacrifices that you don't even want! The sacrifice that God wants is an humble spirit. God, you will not turn away a person who comes with an humble, submissive heart.
— Psalm 51:16-17
"It will be bad for you teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites. You give God one tenth of everything you own—even your mint, dill, and cummin. But you don't obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being faithful. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things. You guide the people, but you are blind! Think about a person picking a little fly out of his drink and then swallowing a camel! You are like that.
— Matthew 23:23-24
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
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"The Scripture says, 'I don't want animal sacrifices; I want you to show kindness to people.' You don't really know what those words mean. If you understood those words, then you would not judge those people that have done nothing wrong."
— Matthew 12:7 ERV (Read Full Text)
Key Thought
Legalism stresses rules and crushes people. Jesus' biggest battles were with those who adhered to rules and law-keeping constructs while ignoring the demands of the Law that are close to the heart of God. Our goal as disciples is to be faithful to Jesus' commands and his intent. That's why having the Holy Spirit is such a blessing. He not only inspired the message and helps us in understanding it, but he also empowers us to do what Jesus desires. Of course, Jesus' consistent desire was to see people redeemed, not condemned.
Prayer
Holy God, I know doing your will is essential. But help me understand that will with both my heart and my head. I don't want to just know your commands, but I want to also know you. I don't want to just be able to recite your demands, but I want to also reflect your character. You have been so gracious to me; give me the courage to be gracious to others. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth I pray. Amen.
Related Scriptures
Why? Because I want faithful love, not sacrifice, {I want people} to know God, not {to bring} burnt offerings.
— Hosea 6:6
You don't really want sacrifices. So why should I give sacrifices that you don't even want! The sacrifice that God wants is an humble spirit. God, you will not turn away a person who comes with an humble, submissive heart.
— Psalm 51:16-17
"It will be bad for you teachers of the law and Pharisees. You are hypocrites. You give God one tenth of everything you own—even your mint, dill, and cummin. But you don't obey the really important teachings of the law—being fair, showing mercy, and being faithful. These are the things you should do. And you should also continue to do those other things. You guide the people, but you are blind! Think about a person picking a little fly out of his drink and then swallowing a camel! You are like that.
— Matthew 23:23-24
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2017. All rights reserved.
