They do all their deeds to be seen by others. [T]hey...love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. Matthew 23:5-7
This morning, I focus on John Piper's Solid Joys devotional, where Piper seeks for us to first see the irony of the scribes and the Pharisees as described by Matthew as the proud gain their sufficiency from others or self. Believers should know of course how such pursuits in sufficiency outside of God only result in emptiness. Piper writes about how "[w]e are in the image of God. And what makes us “like” God is not our self-sufficiency. We are shadows and echoes. So, there will always be an emptiness in the soul that struggles to be satisfied with the resources of self [or from others]." He refers us to John 5:44 and John 4:14 where Jesus contrasts the emptiness of glory from others with the satisfying fullness of Himself.
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who loves me and You satisfy with a fullness that only exists in You - and You freely give of Yourself for those willing to deny oneself and surrender to You as Lord and Savior. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of the blessings of fullness. My sin is great and it is daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
