READING:
One-year plan: Numbers 15-16, Mark 9:30-10:12
Two-year plan: Exodus 20:22-22:15, Matthew 21:28-46
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Pride is an amazingly powerful thing. The disciples in today’s reading had just failed in more than one way. They were unable to cast out a demon, certainly because they tried to do it in their own power without prayer. They did not even understand why they had failed. Then, Jesus taught them about His coming death, but they again did not understand His teachings. This time, they were even afraid to ask for understanding.
It’s what happens next that I needed to see again. On their way to Capernaum, they had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest! Failure apparently didn’t stop their hearts from turning toward ego and comparison. Apparently, it’s possible to mess up one moment, but still think you’re great in the next. It’s easy to let pride consume yesterday’s failures in such a way that you act as if they never happened.
That’s the power of pride. I need to remember that.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you recognize sinful pride in any area of your life? Might others see it in you even if you don’t?
PRAYER: “God, show me where I’m prideful today.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Numbers 17-20, Mark 10:13-34
Two-year plan: Exodus 22:16-23, Matthew 22:1-14