Read Matthew 23:16-22
Get Your Priorities Straight.
4th WOE: Once again Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisees for leading people astray. They guide people on what they should swear by or not swear by. Because what they swear by is what they value the most!
For example, if I say I swear to God I will love my neighbor better, then I am saying it is God that I hold as the ultimate authority. Nothing is higher or greater than him in my life. If I swear by the name of Hitler, then you know right away what principles I value or esteem.
1. In this passage, Jesus confronts the scribes and Pharisee because if someone makes an oath or swears by the name of the TEMPLE of God, that’s no big deal. You can break that oath. But if you swear by the GOLD in the temple, then you are obligated to keep such an oath. ARE YOU SERIOUS? There is no comparison. The TEMPLE is the representation of the presence of God himself. The GOLD is what you take to the temple so it can be sanctified and used for the glory and purpose of God. Shame on us when we value our money and possessions over the Lord.
2. It’s the same with the ALTAR and the GIFT made at the altar. The scribes and Pharisees said if we swear by the altar, then it’s no big deal. You can break that oath. But if you swear by the GIFT made at the altar, then you were bound by that oath. ARE YOU SERIOUS? The altar is the place where we find forgiveness of sins. The gift offered is nothing until it is sanctified by the altar.
The scribes and Pharisees put more value on the gold (money) and gift versus on the Lord God Almighty. That’s where their hearts were. And it’s not right and they needed to get their priorities straight and quit leading others astray.
What do our Church’s value most today? The Gospel or offerings? The Gospel or the fun and games? The Gospel or making sure we don’t offend anyone? Equipping the saints for service, or making sure we have a lot of people in attendance?
What do we value when it comes to our everyday walk with the Lord? Do we love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength? Or
– Do we skip church because we want to make more money to buy more stuff?
– Do we skip our quiet time with God so we can spend more time with our sports, hobbies, or passions?
– Do we compromise our faith so we can have more friends?
I believe we always make time for that which is most important to us. Lord, help us all get our priorities straight. Help us make you number one in our lives!
