Title: The Sign/ Topic: True Motives

Today’s Reading: Ezekiel 47; Ezekiel 48; Luke 2

Scripture: Luke 2:34, 35
34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.

Observation: Jesus is the sign that divides humanity and reveals the true motivations of hearts. He is anything but benign. People that consider themselves very loving and spiritual can suddenly turn very ugly when someone says that Jesus is the only way to heaven. The idea that basically good people need to repent (or have any sin that is bad enough to necessitate repentance) outrages many. Any Christian who stands on these truths will also be spoken against as Jesus is. Do not be surprised when otherwise reasonable and intelligent people suddenly turn into raving maniacs when it is suggested that they aren't good enough to get into heaven on the basis of their own merits.

Application: I must stand for the truth. I must say what the Bible says without compromising any of it to keep people from feeling uncomfortable. I do not seek confrontation and I want to get along with everyone, treating them with respect and kindness. But confrontation is unavoidable as a Christian. If I avoid it at all costs then I must face the fact that Jesus is a sign that is revealing the thoughts in my heart and that those thoughts say I love myself and my comfort more than I love God.

Prayer: Father, I love you so much. If my Lord is spoken against, I want to stand with him in that. May I live my life in such a way that I will be able to convince many of the truth. Show me always the true motivations of my heart so that I may keep it in line with what the Spirit desires.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.