Choosing to humbly walk with God
Luke 20:45-47
45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”
It would be easy to think that Jesus is being particularly harsh in this passage. But we must remember that Luke 20 starts off with Jesus sharing the “wonderful news of salvation” (TPT). How quickly this beautiful message was derailed by the arrogance, selfishness, and lack of love for others displayed by the religious leaders. Given the frivolous nature of the questions thrown at Jesus in this chapter by the religious leaders, it is little wonder that by verse 40 He has had a gutful and has no qualms denouncing them publicly.
His warning to the disciples that day is just as important for me today. And the heartbeat of Jesus – what is really important to Him – is on full display; beware of arrogance and pride, beware of self-importance and self-promotion, look out for and actively care for those in need, and keep following Him. It sounds a lot like a verse in Micah 6:8,
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Lord, today I choose to humbly and gratefully walk with You. May my life be less about myself and more about “your wonderful news of salvation.” Amen.
Written by B van Noppen