CONFRONTING JESUS
Today's reading: Mark 7-8
"One day some Pharisees and teachers of religious law arrived from Jerusalem to confront Jesus." Mark 7:1 NLT
My usual routine is to read through the suggested daily Bible portion, then return to the verses that 'jumped off the page' at me. Consider them a little more thoroughly. Write about what God speaks to my heart.
This morning, however, I couldn't get past the first verse.
The audacity of the Pharisees and religious teachers!
Who in the world do they think they are?
To confront Jesus? To approach Him with questions about His motives? To appear to need an explanation from Him as to what He was doing?
Why does the mere thought of their boldness raise my blood pressure and square my shoulders?
Is it because I feel Jesus needs help defending Himself? No.
Is it because I feel these men of the church are ignorant of what's correct in regards to religion? No, if anyone, they knew--or at least should have.
Is it because I saw myself in their boldness?
In their impudence?
In their brazenness?
While I have no right whatsoever to question God's ways, God's timing or God's will--I find myself approaching Him with a confrontational attitude at times.
Like I need an answer.
As if I deserved a response.
Feeling as if He owed me an explanation.
Assuming He has forgotten who I was.
Reminding Him of my desire that He serve me--with a few of His own verses in hand!
See why I had to stop at verse one this morning?
The 'little Pharisee' in me caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror of Scripture and needed to make some changes before continuing on! I needed an attitude adjustment. I needed to be reminded of rank and file--who I am and who God is.
(I pray you don't have a clue as to what I'm talking about. That you cannot understand the audacity of myself and the Pharisees. That you 'would never' stoop so low.
But if you do understand...
If you can relate...
If you, too, see yourself in the passage--pause and pray. Pause and repent. Pause and re-adjust your position before the Lord! Pause and let Him pour into you His spirit!)
