Title: Do What They Say, Not What They Do/Topic: Authority

Today’s Reading: 2 Samuel 11; 2 Samuel 12; Psalm 51; Matthew 23

Scripture: Matthew 23:1-4
1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 "The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. 3 So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach. 4 They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Observation: I think it's very interesting that Jesus tells the crowds that they must obey the teachers of the law and the Pharisees because of their position of authority but then proceeds to tell them that these leaders are hypocrites whose example of living should never be followed. Apparently, respect for authority, even unrighteous authority, is important to God. Jesus distinguishes between respect for the position and respect for the person. Is this because order in society is better for everyone than chaos?

Application: Whenever I am unhappy with the political leadership I am living under, I must remember to treat them as Jesus tells me to. Obey the laws and the leaders, but examine whether they have good character and don't be like them if they are unrighteous. Respect keeps society civil with each other, safe and orderly, and functional. It's just as important in the smaller microcosms of society like church and the family.

Prayer: Father, I see such polarization in our country through the last two presidencies. People vehemently hated Clinton and hate Bush. Please heal our land. Even when we disagree may we not divide in ways that create a climate of anarchy and hate for others. It concerns me greatly. May we learn to pray for our leaders and dissent, when we feel that is appropriate, while still having an attitude of respect for the positions that various leaders hold.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.