One Year Bible - January 14

1/14/2021
Post Written by
Susan Solomon Yem | Do As I Do, Not As They Say

‍Scriptures to read:
Luke 12:1-31; Genesis 21; Psalm 14

When I read in Luke 12 about the crowd that came to see Jesus, described in The Message as unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, I can’t help but contrast this scene with the one that took place in Washington, D.C. last week. In the NIV translation, they are trampling on one another. Sound familiar?

But here’s the contrast: in the midst of the thousands, Jesus was laser-focused on the disciples. Knowing that they would ultimately lead His church following His resurrection, I imagine He relished every minute with them, every opportunity to guide and teach them. But why did He choose this time to admonish them to not be contaminated with Pharisee yeast? Was it because as they stood before so many, they might become puffed up and enamored with their own power?

The Pharisees were not a tribe. They were the social and thought leaders who laid the foundation for Judaism. They frequently challenged Jesus and tested Him on Judaic law. And yet how did they do in their own obedience to the law? Apparently not very well. Otherwise, why would Jesus admonish His disciples to guard against their hypocrisy? We’re living in an age not unlike the time Jesus describes and learning that what is said in the dark will be heard in the daylight. May we watch carefully.

Memory Verse: Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. - Luke 12:15b

Prayer: Lord, we lift up the people, leaders, and our nation as a whole to you. Please forgive us of our sins and fill us with your mercies. Let our eyes be always watchful for those who are hurting and send people our way to speak life and light into. Amen.