READING: Ezekiel 34-36, Psalm 86, John 12
The Word of God has a way of piercing our hearts, and that’s evident in today’s reading in John 12. Indeed, this reading makes me examine my heart more intensely than I might do otherwise. For example, I’m asking myself these questions:
- Do I ever speak “good, religious thoughts” while my motive is impure? That’s what Judas did when he pointed out the apparent waste of Mary’s perfume. He said they could have given the value to the poor, but John lets us know the truth that he was a thief. John allowed us to see the wickedness of Judas’ heart even when his words sounded good. I trust that my sin is never so blatant, but I do recognize the evil in my heart. Sin is so deceptive that it’s easy to convince ourselves that our motive is good when, in fact, it is not.
- Do I keep trusting that God even when I don’t understand something—trusting the day will come when things make more sense? The disciples didn’t always understand all that Jesus taught and did—but much of it became clear after His death and resurrection. As we’ve seen recently in these devotions, God just keeps teaching us.
- Do I love the praise of man more than the praise from God? Some of the rulers who followed Jesus kept silent about their choice, knowing a public commitment to Christ would cost them their entrance into the synagogue. I hope that I long for God’s affirmation more, but I confess that I sometimes too strongly seek approval from someone other than God.
- Do I speak just as the Father has told me? Jesus indicated that’s what He did as He heard the Father’s voice. For me, the question is whether my words model what the Scriptures command about conversation. God has spoken through them, and I must walk and talk accordingly.
Just some questions of the heart today . . . .
PRAYER: “God, grant me grace to see my heart as it truly is.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Ezekiel 37-39, Psalm 87, John 13