Today’s scripture: Matthew 26:1-5 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Steve Adams):
The opening phrase, “When Jesus had finished these discourses,” reminds me of the pearls of wisdom from the previous chapters of the Book of Matthew.
But now Jesus suddenly changes direction. It’s time to shift from the expansive teachings on the kingdom of God and deal with what’s about to happen. It’s only two days until Jesus will be seized for crucifixion and the disciples need for Him to tell them that, so just maybe, they can be a bit more prepared for their world to be turned upside down. Jesus is real in what He says here. He’s not afraid to remind them about what’s coming.
Whether it was by inspirational parables, parables of warning, confrontations with religious authorities, or conversations with His disciples, Jesus’ mastery of communication is something to behold, isn’t it? This causes me to ask a question: how do we become good communicators, following in the footsteps of our Lord?
I think the answer lies in realizing Gods presence. It’s not as easy as it sounds, though. Many times, for years now, I’ve recited Proverbs 3:6, “In all your ways acknowledge God, and God will direct your paths.” I realize the truth of it, am enthusiastic to do it, but then promptly go on my way and forget it — destined to only experience glimpses of the presence of God.
I remember a time when I got real with myself. Actually, it was as if Jesus got real with me and said, “The only time you can acknowledge God is now!” “But it’s too tense, too hectic, too scary now. I’ll have to wait until later,” my mind subconsciously tells me. Wrong! I can’t do it tomorrow; I can’t do it yesterday. I can only live in the present. It’s in the “perpetual now” that I determine whether or not I have faith in God.
This makes me think about spontaneity. In so many situations, there just isn’t time to plan what to say — or edit what you’ve just said. Spontaneity is a necessity. And what a wonderful thing it can be, unless, like the book of James so vividly describes, the wrong words come out of your mouth!
Jesus declared, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” When we consistently feed our minds a healthy spiritual diet, the chance of saying wise, loving things is greatly increased — whether it’s a planned speech, or an off-the-cuff comment. We can’t live six months in the future at this moment, but we can prepare for it.
Thought for the day: Is what I say tomorrow worth feeding my mind with God’s thoughts today?
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.