They Like?

As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law.  They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.’  Mark 12:38-39 (NIV)

Because Jesus called them by name, is it easy for us to feel a bit of contempt for the teachers whom He warns us of?  Do we like to imagine those arrogant self-centered leaders?  Do we like to watch in satisfaction as Jesus scolds them and puts them in their place?  The crowds that hung around Jesus as He taught them delighted with His words and enjoyed His direct and often incriminating lessons.  But did they digest His words in an effort to purify themselves?  Do we listen to Jesus as if He were showing us how we should be?

Today there may not be too many people wearing flagrant robes.  Fewer cultures today are led by these adorned leaders of religion.  But has the robe given way to a fine suit in many churches?  Do we too like to put on our best attire to go to church?  We may not have the daily custom to stroll through an open market, but do we like people to notice us when we are about?  Are there people in our societies and churches whom love to have a good seat reserved for them?  Is there a gentle pull in our hearts to desire one as well?  We may not have been to a banquet in some time, but do we get a warm feeling when someone recognizes us in front of others?

Is it easier for us to lock Jesus´ words up in the past and blame the teachers of the law?  Could we limit the Living Word to other people or other times?  Could we do that so that we do not have to incriminate ourselves by examining our own hearts?

Or would we like our Savior´s words to fall on open ears?  Would we like to embrace instruction even if it cuts painfully when directed to us personally?  Are we that serious about our faith?  Would we follow Jesus even if it meant suffering under our own painful burdens and crosses?  Would He even ask us to?

Shall we pray today for eager souls to stir up once again a flame that burns for God?  Could we march forward for the prize that was set before us?  Could we endure a little painful refining until we were truly prepared?  Could we set aside our own comforts and personal pursuits long enough to be sure if we are truly following Jesus´ teachings?  How many of us are really concerned whether His words were cutting into our own hearts?  How many of us would like to see if we are harboring those same sentiments and attributes today?  Is it possible that our old evil ways are creeping back in under the disguise of righteous living?  Could we be wearing without realizing it, those flowing robes?  Are we putting some secret weight upon a struggling soul?  Are we using flowery words and eloquent speech to please others, or ourselves somehow privately?

Dear Jesus, we too eat up Your words eagerly.  We love to let Your words lift us up.  But sometimes when we are honest, we may see a little of ourselves in the characters You use.  Please shine Your light so that we may examine our hearts with You.  Show us when we are acting like or feeling like those whom You have warned us of.  Let us work along with You and the Spirit to refine and correct.  Let us press on towards You even if we must undergo some painful process of turning away from the evil that hides within our nature.  Reserve our hearts for You alone and fill us with Your nature.  Let us be so focused on You that the only things we can say we truly LIKE are those things that we receive and share from You.  Then when we are found in You, may we be kept from those tendencies of our hearts towards those other things they like!

Amen