Today’s scripture: Matthew 16:5-12 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Brenda Corbello):
When I read this passage, I spotted some very real comparisons between the part the Pharisees and Sadducees played during the life of Christ and the part the “right-wing radicals” play in my life today. Although the Pharisees and Sadducees were different in many ways, they joined together to battle what they perceived to be a common enemy, Jesus Christ.
In my analogy, the Pharisees would be similar to the grass-roots right-wing conservatives, who are mostly middle-class and responding to fear. The Sadducees would be more like the professional politicians on the more conservative side of the road. These individuals seem to be more concerned with politics than religion most of the time; just like the Sadducees. Again, the “Sadducees” may appear to be more powerful, because they hold offices in Washington, and high offices in their respective States, but the “Pharisees”, the grass-roots groups, are more numerous and popular with the people. In my experience, these are the ones who are prone to misquote scripture in an attempt to bolster their arguments against me.
Both groups seem to be threatened by my claim that Jesus loves me just the way I am. They often join together in attempt to insure that I do not establish my rights to be included in the social and religious mainstream. This includes the right to marry, the right to hold a job, even the right to establish a Christ-centered religious community which affirms diversity. They may have their own special reasons for believing that I am a threat, but are willing to band together to insure my demise.
This passage is a reminder to me. What I hear is a message that I need not get too bogged down in my fight with these groups. Of course, I should not just give in and let them deny me what is rightfully mine. Jesus never backed away from the essential teachings, but He did not let those battles stand in the way of sharing the love of God.
It is the same for me today. I need to focus on my personal relationship with God. I need to remember that my own spiritual walk should not suffer as a result of any battles.
I should trust that God is always in control, and things will eventually work out.
Prayer for the day: God, I choose, with your help, to remember where my focus should lie: on You and Your Love for me. I should continue to seek a deeper understanding of You. I should not let the misguided teachings of others push me off-course. I must always trust that You are in control. I want to remember that the One who fed the multitudes with just a few fish is the One who will take care of me. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.