READING: Joshua 5-7; Luke 6:12-36
In a series of teachings Jesus spoke to His followers after calling His disciples, He spent the last half of His statements on “woes.” He was likely speaking to a larger crowd—those who were not following Him—but His warnings of the wrath of God ought to give all of us pause: “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your comfort. Woe to you who are now full, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who are now laughing, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when all people speak well of you, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the false prophets” (Luke 6:24-26).
Specifically, Jesus spoke to those who were living for themselves, experiencing the world’s “blessings,” and haughtily and superficially laughing with and at others. Yet, all people were speaking well of them—and it’s usually not a good sign when everyone affirms you. In the past, true prophets had opponents; only false prophets found affirmation from the whole crowd.
Today, I’m forced by the text to ask these questions:
- Am I living more for temporary stuff than for God’s glory?
- Am I resting in my blessings and consequently losing my longing for God?
- Am I living for a superficial sense of fun and laughter rather than realizing the seriousness of my walk with God?
- Am I walking with God in such a way that my life is a blessing to some, but a challenge to those who don’t follow Him?
PRAYER: “Lord, I don’t want to live for the temporary today. Focus my attention on eternity.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Joshua 8-9; Luke 6:37-7:10