JESUS SPEAKING
“But Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in […] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.” (Matthew 23: 13, 15)
FAITHFUL THOUGHTS
Many of the religious leaders were placing themselves between God and His followers; as intermediaries, they sought to receive honor, glory, and riches for themselves. Not only were they corrupt, but they were using the temple as a tool to force others to obey and honor them. They had hijacked the gateway to fellowship with God and weren’t allowing others to “go in.” They were also proselytizing new converts and instilling in them a devotion to this same tainted hierarchy.
Shortly before Jesus began His public ministry, a man named John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness; far away from the temple and its corrupt religious leaders. Although the temple was glorious and the accommodations of the city were lavish and comfortable, people began wandering out into the wilderness to hear the gospel truth and to be baptized in preparation for Christ’s arrival. In turn, the religious leaders despised John and his message. When a religious institution becomes too corrupt, God will accomplish His works in unexpected ways.
Today, there are numerous so-called Christian Churches that have been infected with false doctrine. Many progressive leaders are concealing the message of repentance entirely (to fill their seats.) And yet, as it was in the days of John the Baptist, many are fleeing these emergent churches in search of the truth. Indeed, the genuine gospel is difficult to accept, and the Christian life is not easy; but eternal life is a precious treasure. God’s message will never remain hidden from those who genuinely seek it.
“Lord Heavenly, may we spread Your gospel to everyone who yearns to hear the truth. May those who are trapped in churches that have abandoned sound doctrine come to embrace the message of repentance and salvation. We also pray for those who are leading others astray, that they as well might repent and commit themselves to following the one true faith. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!
